Sunderland AFC news: Kirchhoff hailed, Hart on 'killer' Defoe, Twitter explodes after 'scuffed' Aguero winner

And it was the strapping German who stole the headlines, with Sam Allardyce hailing his display in the holding midfield role as the best by any player in the Premier League this season.

A bold statement! Kirchhoff was in fine form though, responding from his horrow-show at White Hart Lane with a commanding performance in midfield.

The versatile German can also play in central defence but Big Sam looks to have found his perfect position quickly.

Here's what Allardyce said: "I don't know anybody who has played better than that in central midfield for anybody.

"Whether it be Everton, Man United, Arsenal, Chelsea and certainly Manchester City.

"He played that well, they changed to a three and tried to block it up at half time.

"We were dominating them because of the quality of passing and finding space.

"I have to say it was up there with one of the top performances for a midfield player from any team this season, I’d say."

Read his full comments here: Meanwhile, pantomime villain Joe Hart was in fine form last night.

Sergio Aguero's 16th-minute strike ultimately won the day, but the City stopper's 44th-minute stop from Jermain Defoe, which was followed by further saves from Billy Jones and Wahbi Khazri, won them the three points.

The keeper, who was repeatedly booed by the home fans after charging upfield to confront referee Stuart Attwell over a Defoe challenge on defender Martin Demichelis, said: "He's really sharp, Jermain Defoe, he's a killer.

"He's always going to get chances, so I had to be aware that as well as the centre-halves played, he was always going to get a chance and I had to make sure I stepped up."

Asked about Aguero's contribution, Hart replied: "He's a phenomenal player.

"The same as I said about Defoe, he's a killer.

"He got one chance and he stuck it in the corner and won us the game."

Aguero's goal separated the two sides, it was his 17th goal of the season and eighth in as many games.

And finally, Twitter erupted last night mid-match when @SunderlandAFC cheekily tweeted this: "Despite a solid first half performance from #SAFC, City go into the break in front after Aguero scuffed home his 13th PL goal of the season"

Quick as a flash City shot back to defend their in-form striker, tweeting: "@SunderlandAFC "scuffed"?" which led to Twitter going into meltdown with fans from both sides getting involved in the action.

The Black Cats tweet was certainly popular with supporters anyway, with more than 400 fans retweeting it.

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