Stephane Sessegnon hails Sunderland's Tyne-Wear derby win over Newcastle
Stephane Sessegnon says his goal in Sunderland's win over Newcastle has helped make up for his red card last season.
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo
Last Updated: 15/04/13 7:55pm
Sessegnon was sent off during last year's game at St James' Park after clashing with Cheick Tiote and Newcastle took advantage of his dismissal to score a last-minute equaliser.
The Benin international exorcised those demons with a man-of-the-match performance in Sunderland's stunning victory on Sunday as they picked up their first win under Paolo Di Canio and also secured their first three points in three months.
Sessegnon admits he learned from his mistakes last season by controlling his emotions in the passionate atmosphere and he paid tribute to his team-mates for their performance as they recorded their biggest win over Newcastle in 34 years.
"I experienced the agony of this fixture when I got the red card last season. But I think I learned from that and how to control myself in that atmosphere," Sessegnon told the Sunderland Echo.
"It was important yesterday that we kept our composure and everyone finished the game very strongly. It was a great day for us.
"We'd had a good preparation for the game and it was important to win this one.
"Everyone knew that with the position in the table, a win was needed to boost our position. And then with it being a derby as well, it gave it that bit extra, especially to score a few goals.
"Obviously, it's a massive win for the fans.
"It's not been a comfortable situation recently, but it's great for everyone to win.
"And now to do it at Newcastle after several months without one, I think that will give everyone a lot of pleasure."
Sessegnon set Sunderland on their way to victory with the opening goal in the first half before superb second half goals from Adam Johnson and David Vaughan put the game beyond Newcastle and Sessegnon admitted it was a special win for the club.
Something special
"I've always said that it doesn't matter who scores the goals," added Sessegnon. "Everyone contributed to the win. But to score three goals of such quality is magnificent for everyone.
"To come away 3-0 winners is something special. We learned from the defeat at Chelsea, but we also took confidence from that.
"We kept our concentration during the second half because we knew Newcastle have got quality players. But we kept the ball well and worked so hard. Everyone remained compact and kept our shape.
"We still also tried to remain a threat on the counter-attack and we did that. In the last five minutes, we were able to enjoy the game and we could have even scored a few more.
"The effort from the lads was exceptional."