The Black Cats Recreate Iconic Magpies Squad Picture Following ‘Special’ Derby Win.
New leadership and an almost completely different team – but someone at Sunderland had a long memory.
Almost 24 months prior, after Newcastle's thumping 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors commemorated the moment with a team picture on the pitch.
On this occasion, the script were reversed.
Nick Woltemade's own goal proved decisive to give Sunderland a historic win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to stage their own version of Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time.
“Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who came up with the photograph.
Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that previous encounter, was the sole Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in the two games.
He explained how he was eager to avenge the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was so painful for the players and for the fans. We felt we had let them down, so we're ecstatic with this win.”
“It prepared us more for today. We came in with greater talent in this team, strong personalities, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.”
‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’
Sitting in seventh Sunderland are experiencing a superb return to the top flight post promotion via the play-offs last season.
The Black Cats have 26 points on the board in 16 games, their highest total at this stage of a Premier League campaign since 2000-01.
They are still unbeaten in the league at the Stadium of Light, which had an incredible atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.
“These games are all about the victory, by hook or by crook,” 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 undefeated in their last 10 league games against Newcastle, their best-ever streak without defeat against the Magpies.
Newcastle's last league win over Sunderland was over a decade ago.
Manager Regis le Bris said he was “extremely pleased” with the performance.
“It was a derby and we were carrying the hopes of our fans,” he added. “This win is rightfully earned, we were mature and the lads were incredible.”
“It's good for the region, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a unique game, but we have to reset quickly as we have another difficult test in Brighton in one week.”
