Sunderland Stage Iconic Magpies Group Snapshot Following Crucial Local Rivalry Triumph.
New leadership and a largely changed squad – but someone at Sunderland remembered vividly.
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 full squad photograph on the pitch.
This time, the situation were reversed.
Nick Woltemade's own goal proved decisive to give 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.
“Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who suggested the gesture.
Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that cup defeat, was the lone Sunderland player to start in both games.
He disclosed how he desperately wanted to avenge the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was agonizing for the players and for the fans. We felt we had let them down, so we're delighted with this win.”
“It served as motivation. We came in with greater talent in this team, strong personalities, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”
‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’
Seventh-placed Sunderland are enjoying a excellent 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 most 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 electric atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.
“These games are all about the victory, by hook or by crook,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team deserves much more – 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 back in August 2011.
Manager Regis le Bris said he was “proud and happy” with the performance.
“It was a derby and we were expected [to win] of our fans,” he added. “This win is fully merited, we were composed and the lads were incredible.”
“It's positive for the local community, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a unique game, but we have to refocus immediately as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.”
