The two sides hadn't met on Gallowgate for a decade and, roared on by an expectant crowd, the Magpies started on the front foot at St. James' Park as they looked to make it three Premier League wins in a row at the expense of their local rivals.
In the third minute, boyhood Magpies fan Lewis Hall sent over a wonderful cross from the left and Anthony Elanga, fresh from his two midweek goals at Camp Nou in midweek, arrived with a powerful header which flew just over the bar at the Leazes End.
Then in the tenth minute, Nick Woltemade seized upon a Sunderland error to win the ball high up the pitch and fed Gordon, who advanced and drilled beyond Melker Ellborg for his 17th goal of the season - and his biggest of them all.
Sandro Tonali missed out through injury - Woltemade took his place in midfield - while Sven Botman came in for Malick Thiaw.
United's starting XI included two Newcastle supporters in Dan Burn and Hall, with another two - Jacob Murphy and Sean Neave - among the substitutes.
**Newcastle United:** Aaron Ramsdale, Kieran Trippier (c), Lewis Hall, Sven Botman, Joelinton, Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, Anthony Elanga, Nick Woltemade, Dan Burn, Jacob Ramsey
**Subs not used:** Nick Pope, Yoane Wissa, Malick Thiaw, William Osula, Tino Livramento, Jacob Murphy, Joe Willock, Alex Murphy, Sean Neave