£30m Newcastle United star caught mocking Sunderland after 2-1 defeat

Former Newcastle United midfielder Moussa Sissoko was snapped poking fun at Sunderland following their 2-1 defeat to Watford.

The Frenchman played 90 minutes as the Hornets clinched a late win to move within a whisker of the play-off positions. Sissoko never claimed a Tyne-Wear derby win against Sunderland but celebrated in style after denying the Black Cats the chance to go top.

Now aged 35, Sissoko, who spent three-and-a-half years on Tyneside between 2013 and 2016, rejoined Watford at the start of the season. The midfield powerhouse is eyeing a Premier League return over a decade on from his first taste of English football.

Sissoko’s home debut against Chelsea - which saw him bag a brace in a 3-2 win - still lives long in Newcastle fans’ memory. His performances in the ensuing years divided opinion before he joined Tottenham Hotspur for £30million in 2016.

While the midfielder was far from a fan favourite at St James' Park, he has not forgotten his black-and-white roots. Sissoko was pictured goading Sunderland fans at the full-time whistle as Watford celebrated a 2-1 win.

Manager Tom Cleverley praised his team for their “excellent” performance - which prevented Sunderland from storming to the top of the Championship. He said: "It was a tale of two halves. I thought we were excellent first half, and then we had to absorb a little bit of pressure in the second half without conceding too many big chances. 

“We showed real character at the end there. In football, it is hard to swing momentum. It was a real performance full of character. We are 10 unbeaten here now, and it is one of those places that, when we don’t play well, we are getting the job done here now, so I am really pleased. 

“I think our first-half performance deserved the win today. You try not to be negative and think 'Let’s just protect for the first 10 minutes', but I thought defensively in the main we were excellent today.”