Georginio Wijnaldum makes a nice burst from deep in midfield as the cross is eventually delivered from Moussa Sissoko, but Vito Mannone comes out to claim after a slip by Sunderland defender Younes Kaboul. The Black Cats skipper then trips Ayoze Perez for a free-kick about 20 yards out in a central position.

Image source, Reuters

The early sting has gone out of the game, which Newcastle might secretly enjoy. They are knocking it about with relative ease as they prepare for the next phase. A quick burst of pace up top but Daryl Janmaat's cross goes straight into the hands of Vito Mannone. 

What a start it's been in the other early Premier League game.

Liverpool have raced into a 2-0 lead at Southampton, a ground where they won 6-1 in the League Cup earlier this season.

Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge have done the damage so far. You can follow that game with Mike Henson here.

Image source, Reuters

Jermain Defoe now picks the ball up deep in the Newcastle half, he's out-muscled by Chancel Mbemba but Martin Atkinson says it's a free-kick. That comes to nothing with Newcastle then wasting a good counter attack chance. Sunderland looking the sharper. 

BBC Newcastle's SAFC summariser Gary Bennett: "The worry that Sunderland have got is that Andros Townsend is dropping deep and running at their defence. They have got to be wary of that."

Sunderland respond once more, this is a far more open game than I expected. This time Wahbi Khazri has room on the right side of the penalty area, and fires a shot across the face of goal. It's well wide but Jermain Defoe almost pounces at the back post. He's getting closer.

Image source, Getty Images

And here comes Andros Townsend again. He drives towards goal and lets fire from 20 yards. It looks like it swerved a bit too as Vito Mannone palmed it away at this knees. Unorthodox, but effective. 

Image source, Reuters

Pat Nevin
Former Everton winger on Radio 5 live

"Andros Townsend has got the ball twice and Sunderland are scared to death of him. If they can get the ball to him more he can cause real problems."

Chance for Sunderland and some of their fans think they've scored. So does Big Sam. Jermain Defoe is inches from giving the Black Cats the lead as his shot clips the side netting. Much to the Newcastle fans' delight. 

Image source, Getty Images

This is the first time I've seen Rafa Benitez's Newcastle team, and the Spaniard seems to be deploying Georginio Wijnaldum in a deeper role despite being Newcastle's top scorer. Meanwhile, Jack Colback goes into the book for a foul on Fabio Borini. That's his 10th booking of the season so the Newcastle left-back will miss a couple of games through suspension. 

Signs of a few fraying tempers as Martin Atkinson has a word with Jack Colback and DeAndre Yedlin for separate incidents. Careful lads. 

Image source, Getty Images

Andros Townsend is causing all sorts of bother already. The England winger cuts in from the left and delivers to the back post where Aleksandar Mitrovic claims he is being held and Moussa Sissoko cannot divert his effort on goal. In fact it goes away from goal, before Jonjo Shelvey fires high and wide. 

These are the type of games where a sliding tackle can garner the same sort of cheers as a telling pass. Aleksandar Mitrovic does just that, making up somewhat for his earlier miss. 

Image source, Reuters

Now it's Sunderland's turn. The Black Cats win a free-kick deep on the right-hand side. Wahbi Khazri finds his range this time, with Jack Rodwell heading on goal. Rob Elliot tips over. Liking this. 

Image source, Getty Images

Wahbi Khazri's corner is poor. Andros Townsend then leads the charge down the other end, crosses to Aleksandar Mitrovic, but the Newcastle forward clips the ball over. That was a decent chance. Good start so far. 

Both teams looking to make an early impression. Fabio Borini has the ball in the right-hand channel and wins a corner for Sunderland. 

Image source, Getty Images

A trademark powerful run from Moussa Sissoko down the left, he shrugs off a couple of challenges but runs the ball too far before it is hacked clear. That got the home fans off their seats.

Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce was up on his feet for that one. The Black Cats have another free-kick which this time Newcastle head clear. The visitors on the offensive. 

Image source, Reuters

No messing from Chancel Mbemba who rifles a clearance our of play. He apologises to team-mates and it leads to a first chance. Alas, Jermain Defoe cannot keep his shot down after a nice turn about 10 yards out. Worrying for the hosts, there.