When the chips were down and Adam Johnson and company were running around the St James' Park pitch as though they owned it, Santon may as well have been hiding under the bed!
He was substituted a little after an hour for the sake of his own good, and he dragged his ego off the pitch, and gave us the peace of mind that with the young kid who replaced him (Paul Dummett) at least had the guts to fight!
Davide Santon is wanted by at least four Italian clubs - or so says his agent.
Newcastle have never had an offer for him since the day he walked into the club, but his agent tells us (probably to stoke interest) that Italy is desperate for his return.
One man knows Santon better than we do - Jose Mourinho - and when they were both at Inter Milan the "Special One" sent Santon out on loan to find some balls.
When he walked off on Saturday, there was a look in his eye that suggested he would rather have been anywhere else than St James’ Park.... and boy do we (the fans) know that feeling.
The 23-year-old Italian was one of Newcastle United’s best players in the first half of last season, despite the fact we all know he cannot defend.
But he attacked with purpose, and am I the only one who feels he would be better in midfield?
Against Sunderland he had a nightmare, and the time has come for young Dummett to show him the way.
And it could do the Italian the world of good.
If he goes back to Italy ... so be it. I, for one, won't be crying in my beer.