A JUBILANT Gus Poyet has revealed he was ready to substitute Adam Johnson before the winger created Tyne-Wear derby history for Sunderland at St James’ Park by hitting a dramatic late winner.

After a Newcastle corner was cleared, Johnson launched a blistering counter-attack towards the Gallowgate End and eventually struck the 90th minute goal to secure three points for the Black Cats.

The narrow 1-0 victory after a gripping encounter that had only lacked goals meant Sunderland have now won four games against Newcastle in a row for the first time in the club’s history.

Three of those have arrived at St James’ and Johnson’s triumph also earned a fifth win over Newcastle for Poyet the manager, who also enjoyed two wins during his time as Brighton boss.

“I was taking off Johnson and I didn't,” said Poyet. “Don't ask me why, I just didn't! And then he scores. I had even given his number over. Johnson went in behind, checked back and missed a chance. I just went: ‘No, no he was in there, take Connor off number 10!’

And Johnson, after the celebrations had died down on the pitch after his third goal in as many games on Tynneside, said: “The manager said to me I would be going off in five minutes. I told him I was alright to stay on. I said ‘no, I’m alright’.

“Maybe that worked in my favour. It’s a massive win for us. It gives us a great boost and I think it has been coming for weeks. We did well. It’s just the one game, part of a long season.

“I love playing here. It’s a great ground with a great atmosphere. You always need to rise to the occasion here. I felt disappointed because I should have scored earlier on. If I had missed that chance as well I would have been gutted all night.”

Johnson’s winner lifted Sunderland to within four points of Newcastle, who have not won a derby since Ryan Taylor curled a free-kick over the wall in 2011, and prevented Sunderland from making it an 11th draw from 17 Premier League games this season.

Poyet said: “I need to be careful and show respect to everyone at Newcastle. It is difficult to celebrate these games in the last minute. A winning goal away from home. I hope everyone will understand our feelings.

“It is great, incredible and something to remember all your life. A special moment for the club. This will make it a very special Christmas for us.

“We are able to continue this winning run against Newcastle knowing that three points were crucial for us.

“There is no more confidence than you can get from beating your local rivals at their place. No excuses now for next week.

“If it was another draw, a special game, but I think we created chances and it would have been another frustrating day. Is it better to win 3-0 or win a game in the last minute? I don't know. I can't decide.”

As the seconds ticked towards the 90 minutes, there was a feeling that the game would end in a draw despite Alan Pardew’s decision to get his side to push on in search of a winner.

And Swedish winger Seb Larsson was relieved to see Johnson’s goal hit the net. He said: “We thought we might have to settle for a draw the way things were going.

“We created enough to win the game. It has been the same in the last few games. We just haven’t been able to score.

“All credit to Jonno. There was no doubt in my mind that he was going to tuck that one away. We deserved to win. That was the best win of the three here. Without a doubt it’s the best way to win a game especially a derby game away from home. We needed a win and hopefully this can kick our season on.”