Sunderland 0-3 Newcastle: Eddie Howe relieved any pressure that may have been on him leading into Saturday's fixture with an emphatic victory in the first Tyne Wear derby since 2016.
The visitors took the lead before the break, with Daniel Ballard putting the ball into his own net whilst under pressure from Alexander Isak.
After failing to take their chances throughout much of the first 45 minutes, Howe's side immediately pressed their advantage after the interval.
Miguel Almiron caught Pierre Ekwah dallying on the ball and dispossessed the Frenchman before playing in Alexander Isak who doubled the Magpies lead less than a minute into the second half.