The Black Cats Mimic Iconic Magpies Team Photo In the Wake of Pivotal Local Rivalry Win.
A different manager and a largely changed squad – but those involved at Sunderland remembered vividly.
Nearly two years ago, after Newcastle's thumping 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies marked the occasion with a group photo on the pitch.
On this occasion, the roles were reversed.
Nick Woltemade's own goal proved enough to hand Sunderland a historic win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to recreate Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time.
“Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who came up with the photograph.
Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that previous encounter, was the only Sunderland player to start in the two games.
He revealed how he was eager to make amends for the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. 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 prepared us more for today. We came in with greater talent in this team, true characters, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we merited the win.”
‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’
Seventh-placed Sunderland are experiencing a excellent return to the top flight after 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 undefeated in the league at the Stadium of Light, which boasted an feverish atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.
“Derbies, you have to win, it does not matter how,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team merits greater recognition – where we are in the league is incredible and we're working really hard.”
Sunderland are also undefeated 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 all the way back in 2011.
Manager Regis le Bris said he was “delighted and satisfied” with the performance.
“It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he stated. “This win is fully merited, we were mature and the lads were outstanding.”
“It's positive for the area, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a unique game, but we have to refocus immediately as we have another difficult test in Brighton in one week.”
