Dick Advocaat says Jermain Defoe’s wonder goal has set Sunderland on their way to Premier League survival – but Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul has been criticised for appearing to congratulate the derby match-winner.

The Holland international waited in the tunnel for Defoe at half-time, seconds after he had smashed the stunning 20-yard volley which decided yesterday’s Tyne-Wear clash.

Krul smiled and exchanged a fist pump with Defoe, although he later defended his actions.

Sportsmail's Jamie Carragher claimed Newcastle keeper Tim Krul made a mistake after congratulating Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe on his goal before half-time

Krul smiles at Defoe shortly after the striker's goal gave the Black Cats the lead in the Wear-Tyne derby

Carragher criticised Krul for his half-time actions while speaking on Sky Sports after the game

However, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher was not impressed, as he said: ‘When you watch Newcastle, Tim Krul does look like one of the leaders of the team, but what he did was a mistake.

‘I wouldn't want to see one of my own team doing it. It's not good sportsmanship. Someone without passion for the game might say it is. When you play a derby game, you don't just play on the day, there is a build-up in the week and everyone is on edge.

‘You build yourself into a frenzy where you despise the opposition. At the end of the game you shake hands with everyone, you wouldn't smile.’

Carragher was backed up by his ex-Liverpool team-mate Danny Murphy, who said: 'He shouldn't have done that, you do that at the end of the game. That was out of order.'

But Krul countered: 'What I actually thought, I probably can't repeat because it wasn't nice.

'It was a fantastic goal and everyone accepts that, but what I actually thought was more in the region of “what a lucky guy he is”, but with a bit more venom behind it.

‘I've been at this club for 10 years and I'm as hurt as anybody else, so whoever wants to put this negative light on me, it's not justified.

'I'm a Geordie. I've been here 10 years and I'm going home with a lot of pain in my heart. To see those travelling fans going back to Newcastle without a win again, it hurts me as much as them.'

Defoe (left) hit a stunning volley on the cusp of half-time to give Sunderland the lead against Newcastle

Defoe celebrates his strike which helped the Black Cats to victory in the Wear-Tyne derby

Sunderland’s victory was their fifth on the spin in this fixture and moved them three points clear of the relegation zone.

New boss Advocaat believes it has gone a long way to ensuring their safety.

‘I have always said we will survive, but we had to win today,’ said the 67-year-old, who will leave at the end of the season regardless of which division Sunderland are in.

‘There was a lot of pressure on the team but I got a great feeling when we arrived here on the bus. That was something special and the players felt that.

Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat congratulates Defoe as he sends on Adam Johnson to replace the striker during the Wear-Tyne derby victory

Advocaat smiles as he looks on from his technical area at the Stadium of Light

The win is Sunderland's first under Advocaat and lifts them three points clear of the bottom three

Sunderland's victory took them above Aston Villa and Hull City in the Barclays Premier League table

‘The league table looks better now, but the most important thing is May 24. It will look better if we’re here then.

‘I’m proud of the team and I’m proud of our fans.’ Meanwhile, an emotional Defoe hailed his strike as one of his finest.

‘It's one of my best - with my left foot as well,’ said the 32-year-old, ‘but even a tap-in would be massive in a game like this.

‘As the ball was dropping I was just concentrating on the strike. During the week I've done a lot of shooting and as soon as it left my foot I knew it was in.