Sunderland Recreate Iconic Magpies Team Photo After Pivotal Derby Victory.
A different manager and a largely changed squad – but those involved 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 group photo on the pitch.
This time, the script were turned on their head.
Nick Woltemade's own goal proved enough to deliver 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.
“Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who came up with the idea.
Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that previous encounter, was the sole Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in both games.
He explained how he was determined to rectify 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 ecstatic with this win.”
“That experience hardened us. We came in with greater talent in this team, real leaders, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.”
‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’
Occupying seventh spot Sunderland are enjoying a excellent 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 yet to lose in the league at the Stadium of Light, which was filled with an electric 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 best-ever streak 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 “extremely pleased” 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 superb.”
“It's fantastic for the region, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a special game, but we have to turn the page as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.”
