Sunderland Mimic Notorious Magpies Group Snapshot In the Wake of Pivotal Local Rivalry Triumph.
New leadership and a largely changed squad – but someone at Sunderland wasn't going to forget.
Almost 24 months prior, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the rivals celebrated with a team picture on the pitch.
Now, the roles were turned on their head.
Nick Woltemade's mistake proved sufficient to deliver 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 post-match snapshot at full-time.
“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who came up with the idea.
Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that cup defeat, was the sole Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in each of the games.
He revealed how he was eager 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 let them down, so we're ecstatic with this win.”
“It prepared us more for today. We came in with improved ability in this team, true characters, 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 superb 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 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 had an electric atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.
“Derbies, you have to win, it does not matter how,” 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 most extended period 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 carrying the hopes of our fans,” he stated. “This win is well deserved, we were mature and the lads were incredible.”
“It's fantastic for the area, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a special game, but we have to turn the page as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.”
