Sunderland Recreate Notorious Magpies Squad Picture In the Wake of Pivotal Local Rivalry Victory.
An altered coaching staff and a largely changed squad – but the club at Sunderland remembered vividly.
Almost 24 months prior, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies celebrated with a team picture on the pitch.
This time, the roles were reversed.
Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved decisive to give Sunderland a historic win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's iconic snapshot at full-time.
“Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who proposed the photograph.
Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that previous encounter, was the sole Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in each of the games.
He revealed how he desperately wanted to avenge the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was so painful 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 earned the win.”
‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’
Seventh-placed Sunderland are experiencing 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 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 was filled with 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 merits greater recognition – where we are in the league is incredible 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 all the way back in 2011.
Manager Regis le Bris said he was “proud and happy” with the performance.
“It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he continued. “This win is rightfully earned, we were mature and the lads were outstanding.”
“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 difficult test in Brighton in one week.”
