Sunderland Recreate Famous Newcastle Group Snapshot In the Wake of ‘Special’ Local Rivalry Triumph.
New leadership and a largely changed squad – but someone at Sunderland wasn't going to forget.
Almost 24 months prior, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the rivals celebrated with a team picture on the pitch.
This time, the script were flipped.
Nick Woltemade's mistake proved decisive to deliver Sunderland a historic win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to recreate Newcastle's iconic snapshot at full-time.
“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who came up with the photograph.
Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that previous encounter, was the only Sunderland player to start in each of the games.
He disclosed how he was determined to make amends for the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was heartbreaking 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, true characters, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.”
‘Derbies you have to win, it does not matter how’
Seventh-placed Sunderland are having a outstanding 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 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 feverish atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.
“In local rivalry matches, the result is everything, the performance secondary,” 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 most extended period 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 result.
“It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he added. “This win is rightfully earned, we were composed and the lads were incredible.”
“It's fantastic for the area, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a special game, but we have to reset quickly as we have another hard game in Brighton in one week.”
