Sunderland Stage Notorious Newcastle Squad Picture Following ‘Special’ Derby Victory.
New leadership and a largely changed squad – but the club at Sunderland wasn't going to forget.
Nearly two years ago, after Newcastle's thumping 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors commemorated the moment with a team picture on the pitch.
This time, the situation were reversed.
Nick Woltemade's own goal proved decisive to give Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to recreate Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time.
“Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” remarked 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 previous encounter, was the lone Sunderland player to start in the two games.
He revealed how he was eager to rectify the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're delighted with this win.”
“It served as motivation. We came in with more quality in this team, real leaders, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”
‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’
Seventh-placed Sunderland are enjoying a outstanding return to the top flight following 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 yet to lose in the league at the Stadium of Light, which boasted an incredible atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.
“These games are all about the victory, by hook or by crook,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team is worthy of more respect – 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 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 “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 well deserved, we were disciplined and the lads were incredible.”
“It's positive for the area, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a huge game, but we have to turn the page as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.”
