Sunderland Mimic Notorious Magpies Group Snapshot After Crucial Local Rivalry Win.
An altered coaching staff and a vastly altered lineup – 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 visitors commemorated the moment with a full squad photograph on the pitch.
This time, the script were turned on their head.
Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved decisive to give Sunderland a long-awaited win over their rivals in the return of the Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to recreate Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time.
“Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who suggested the idea.
Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that cup defeat, was the sole Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in the two games.
He revealed how he desperately wanted to make amends for the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're overjoyed with this win.”
“That experience hardened us. We came in with more quality in this team, true characters, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we merited the win.”
‘Derbies you have to win, it does not matter how’
Sitting in seventh Sunderland are enjoying a superb return to the top flight following promotion via the play-offs last season.
The Black Cats have 26 points in 16 games, their best return at this stage of a Premier League campaign since 2000-01.
They are still unbeaten in the league at the Stadium of Light, which was filled with an feverish atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.
“These games are all about the victory, by hook or by crook,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team deserves much more – where we are in the league is amazing and we're working really hard.”
Sunderland are also unbeaten 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 over a decade ago.
Manager Regis le Bris said he was “extremely pleased” with the performance.
“It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he stated. “This win is rightfully earned, we were composed and the lads were outstanding.”
“It's fantastic for the local community, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a huge game, but we have to refocus immediately as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.”
