John Carver: Newcastle boss fears derby loss will define his reign

Newcastle boss John Carver fears his side's 1-0 defeat by Sunderland will define his reign at St James' Park.

Newcastle were beaten by a spectacular goal from Jermain Defoe and have now lost their last five Tyne-Wear derbies.

Carver, head coach until the end of the season, said: "We are down to the bare bones but we should come to a stadium like this and do better than we did.

"It will define my spell in charge. It's not nice so I will suffer for a few weeks, months, possibly years."

Carver said he felt that - a makeshift back four and goalkeeper Tim Krul excepted - his Newcastle side did not perform well enough, as they slumped to a fourth successive Premier League defeat that leaves them 13th in the table, nine points clear of the relegation zone.

The 50-year-old, originally placed in caretaker charge when Alan Pardew departed for Crystal Palace in the new year, added: "It leaves a bitter taste in your mouth. A football club like ours shouldn't lose five in a row to our neighbours.

"I remember winning five in a row against them. The guys in the dressing room, along with us, have to do something about this.

"We have got 35 points and that might not be enough. There are seven games to go and we have to go and win some matches."

Jermain Defoe volleyed a spectacular winner for Sunderland

John Carver was appointed as Newcastle's head coach until the end of the season in January

Newcastle have won just twice since Alan Pardew left to join Crystal Palace at the turn of the year