The Black Cats Mimic Iconic Magpies Squad Picture In the Wake of ‘Special’ Derby Triumph.
New leadership and a largely changed squad – but someone at Sunderland remembered vividly.
Almost 24 months prior, after Newcastle's thumping 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies celebrated with a group photo on the pitch.
This time, the script were reversed.
Nick Woltemade's own goal proved sufficient to give Sunderland a historic win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to stage their own version of Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time.
“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who suggested the idea.
Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that previous encounter, was the lone Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in both games.
He explained how he was eager to avenge the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was agonizing for the players and for the fans. We felt we had let them down, so we're overjoyed with this win.”
“That experience hardened us. We came in with improved ability 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’
Occupying seventh spot Sunderland are enjoying a outstanding return to the top flight following promotion via the play-offs last season.
The Black Cats have 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 was filled with 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 amazing and we're working really hard.”
Sunderland are also without a loss in their last 10 league games against Newcastle, their best-ever streak 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 result.
“It was a derby and we were expected [to win] of our fans,” he added. “This win is well deserved, we were composed and the lads were outstanding.”
“It's good for the local community, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a special game, but we have to reset quickly as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.”
