The ref got it wrong, got it right, got it wrong

In the aftermath of the derby match, I thought I'd let the dust, the inquest and my thoughts settle before returning to the blog. The events of late in the first held decided a game that has looked to be flowing, passing attack against stuttering nervous defence up until then.

I was impressed with Newcastle's composure and their passing game was looking like controlling the game, even though they hadn't created any solid chances in the first half. Sunderland didn't turn up, either in terms of quality or passion and it looked quite ominous for them as half time approached.

Injury prompted changes up front and I'm defence. O'Shea leaving to be replaced by Coates made the back line look even creakier - if that was possible. Defoe on for Toivonen was a move that added more than it took away. Defoe had a point to prove and came in full of a work rate that Toivonen seemed to lack.

The first incident from my headline was the lack of a penalty for a blatant Jack Colback handball. The referee seemed perfectly positioned but didn't give it. Colback had his hands raised and this incident seems to have slipped under the radar in the aftermath of the next one. The Coloccini foul was a definite penalty - no attempt to play the ball and a clear, silly foul. So I think that the ref got this one right. But the decision to send Coloccini off was wrong, in my view. It was a foul but a penalty felt like it was enough.

So, the future. It looks brighter for Newcastle, based on their ability to retain the ball. Sunderland struggled with pace, intensity, passing, organisation, passion and ball retention. Big Sam has some real work to do in the training ground to get his ideas across. The team needs to pick up points regularly before the transfer window opens and he can buy.

Let's hope that there's something more to get out if these players because the evidence so far this season suggests they are in real trouble.