Sunderland Recreate Notorious Magpies Squad Picture Following ‘Special’ Derby Win.
An altered coaching staff and a largely changed squad – but those involved at Sunderland remembered vividly.
Nearly two years ago, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies commemorated the moment with a group photo on the pitch.
On this occasion, the roles were flipped.
Nick Woltemade's own goal proved enough to give Sunderland a historic win over their rivals in the return of the Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's iconic 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 scored an own goal in that cup defeat, was the lone Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in each of the games.
He explained how he was determined to rectify the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was so painful for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're ecstatic with this win.”
“It prepared us more for today. We came in with more quality in this team, real leaders, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”
‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’
Seventh-placed Sunderland are enjoying a excellent 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 best return 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 feverish atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.
“In local rivalry matches, the result is everything, the performance secondary,” 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 “extremely pleased” with the performance.
“It was a derby and we were expected [to win] of our fans,” he added. “This win is rightfully earned, we were composed and the lads were superb.”
“It's positive 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 hard game in Brighton in one week.”
