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Steve McClaren: My Newcastle side were the better team during thumping at Sunderland
STEVE McCLAREN insists his Newcastle side controlled the Tyne-Wear derby despite going down 3-0 losers to Sunderland.
Steve McClaren stood by his Newcastle players after their defeat
Newcastle were reduced to 10 men moments before half time when Fabricio Coloccini upended Steven Fletcher in the box.
Adam Johnson converted the penalty and Billy Jones made it two in the second half before Fletcher’s volley wrapped up the three points for Sam Allardyce’s side.
“We controlled it, created chances and never looked like giving away anything at the back.
“Even with 10 men in the second half we still controlled it. Referee decisions are out of your control.
“The defining moments were two ref decision he got wrong. Gini Wijnaldum's ball was handballed by Lee Cattermole and the penalty for them was never a penalty. The penalty and red card was a double whammy.
“In the first half the team were excellent. I was totally relaxed. We were in control.
“I said to players that’s what we must continue. If we continue doing that and get decisions right then we’ll do OK.”