Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has reflected on his side's 3-0 victory away to Newcastle United in the Tyne-Wear derby as "one of his best days in football."

The Black Cats secured the bragging rights at St James's Park on Saturday courtesy of goals from Fabio Borini, Adam Johnson and Jack Colback.

"[This is] one of the best days I've had in football, as a manager, no doubt," he told reporters. "Of course the three points are the most important thing."

The victory leaves Poyet's men 14th in the Premier League table, two points clear of the relegation zone and the Uruguayan expects his charges to continue improving en route to securing their top-flight status.

"I don't know how many people were expecting this but I've been telling you for a few weeks that we were getting better and especially away from home we are a difficult team to play against."

Sunderland resume their ascent up the table with the visit of Hull City to the North East next Saturday.