The Black Cats Recreate Notorious Magpies Group Snapshot Following ‘Special’ Derby Win.
An altered coaching staff and a vastly altered lineup – but someone at Sunderland had a long memory.
Almost 24 months prior, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies commemorated the moment with a full squad photograph on the pitch.
On this occasion, the script were turned on their head.
Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved sufficient to hand Sunderland a long-awaited win over their rivals in the return of the Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic 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 idea.
Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that previous encounter, was the only Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in both games.
He disclosed how he desperately wanted to rectify the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had let them down, so we're overjoyed with this win.”
“It prepared us more for today. We came in with more quality in this team, strong personalities, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”
‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’
Sitting in seventh Sunderland are experiencing a outstanding return to the top flight post 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 undefeated in the league at the Stadium of Light, which had 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 is worthy of more respect – where we are in the league is incredible 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 over a decade ago.
Manager Regis le Bris said he was “proud and happy” with the result.
“It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he added. “This win is fully merited, we were mature and the lads were superb.”
“It's good for the local community, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a unique game, but we have to refocus immediately as we have another hard game in Brighton in one week.”
