Sunderland Recreate Notorious Newcastle Group Snapshot After ‘Special’ Local Rivalry Triumph.
A different manager and a vastly altered lineup – but someone at Sunderland had a long memory.
Nearly two years ago, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies celebrated with a full squad photograph on the pitch.
On this occasion, the script were reversed.
Nick Woltemade's own goal proved enough to hand Sunderland a historic 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 celebratory snapshot at full-time.
“Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who suggested the photograph.
Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that cup defeat, was the sole Sunderland player to start in the two games.
He revealed how he was determined to avenge the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. 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 improved ability in this team, true characters, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we merited the win.”
‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’
Sitting in seventh Sunderland are experiencing 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 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 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 remarkable 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 back in August 2011.
Manager Regis le Bris said he was “extremely pleased” with the outcome.
“It was a derby and we were expected [to win] of our fans,” he continued. “This win is fully merited, we were mature and the lads were superb.”
“It's good for the area, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a huge game, but we have to reset quickly as we have another hard game in Brighton in one week.”
