Sunderland Stage Iconic Newcastle Team Photo After ‘Special’ Derby Victory.
A different manager and a largely changed squad – but the club at Sunderland wasn't going to forget.
Nearly two years ago, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies marked the occasion with a group photo on the pitch.
This time, the roles were flipped.
Nick Woltemade's mistake proved sufficient to give 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 post-match snapshot at full-time.
“Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who suggested the photograph.
Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that previous encounter, was the sole Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in both games.
He disclosed how he desperately wanted to avenge the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was agonizing for the players and for the fans. We felt we had let them down, so we're delighted with this win.”
“It prepared us more for today. We came in with greater talent 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’
Occupying seventh spot Sunderland are experiencing a superb 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 most 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 electric atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.
“These games are all about the victory, by hook or by crook,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team deserves much more – 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 under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he continued. “This win is fully merited, we were disciplined and the lads were outstanding.”
“It's positive 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 difficult test in Brighton in one week.”
