Sunderland Mimic Notorious Newcastle Group Snapshot Following Crucial Derby Victory.
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 Geordies commemorated the moment with a full squad photograph on the pitch.
On this occasion, the script were reversed.
Nick Woltemade's own goal proved enough to give Sunderland a long-awaited win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to stage their own version of Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time.
“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who came up with the gesture.
Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that cup defeat, was the only Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in the two games.
He explained how he was determined to avenge the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was agonizing for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're overjoyed 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.”
‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’
Sitting in seventh Sunderland are enjoying a outstanding return to the top flight post 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 undefeated in the league at the Stadium of Light, which had an incredible 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 amazing 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 “delighted and satisfied” 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 composed and the lads were superb.”
“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.”
