The Black Cats Recreate Famous Magpies Team Photo In the Wake of Pivotal Local Rivalry Victory.
New leadership and a largely changed squad – but those involved at Sunderland had a long memory.
Nearly two years ago, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors commemorated the moment with a full squad photograph on the pitch.
On this occasion, the roles were flipped.
Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved decisive to hand Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the return of the Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to stage their own version of Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time.
“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who proposed the gesture.
Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that previous encounter, was the sole Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in the two games.
He revealed how he desperately wanted to rectify the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was agonizing for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're delighted with this win.”
“That experience hardened us. We came in with more quality in this team, strong personalities, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.”
‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’
Sitting in seventh Sunderland are having a superb return to the top flight after promotion via the play-offs last season.
The Black Cats have a tally of 26 points in 16 games, their best return at this stage of a Premier League campaign since 2000-01.
They are still unbeaten in the league at the Stadium of Light, which was filled with an incredible atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.
“Derbies, you have to win, it does not matter how,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team is worthy of more respect – where we are in the league is remarkable and we're working really hard.”
Sunderland are also without a loss in their last 10 league games against Newcastle, their longest such run without defeat against the Magpies.
Newcastle's last league win over Sunderland was over a decade ago.
Manager Regis le Bris said he was “delighted and satisfied” with the performance.
“It was a derby and we were expected [to win] of our fans,” he added. “This win is rightfully earned, we were disciplined and the lads were outstanding.”
“It's fantastic for the area, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a huge game, but we have to reset quickly as we have another hard game in Brighton in one week.”
