The Black Cats Recreate Notorious Magpies Group Snapshot In the Wake of ‘Special’ Derby Victory.
New leadership and a vastly altered lineup – but those involved at Sunderland had a long memory.
Nearly two years ago, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the rivals marked the occasion with a team picture on the pitch.
Now, the roles were reversed.
Nick Woltemade's mistake proved decisive 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 stage their own version of Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time.
“Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who proposed the photograph.
Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that previous encounter, was the lone Sunderland player to start in the two games.
He explained how he was determined to make amends for the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was so painful 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 more quality in this team, true characters, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.”
‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’
Occupying seventh spot Sunderland are experiencing a superb return to the top flight after promotion via the play-offs last season.
The Black Cats have a tally of 26 points in 16 games, their highest total at this stage of a Premier League campaign since 2000-01.
They are still unbeaten in the league at the Stadium of Light, which was filled with an incredible 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 amazing and we're working really hard.”
Sunderland are also unbeaten 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 “delighted and satisfied” with the result.
“It was a derby and we were expected [to win] of our fans,” he continued. “This win is fully merited, we were mature and the lads were incredible.”
“It's positive for the area, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a unique game, but we have to refocus immediately as we have another difficult test in Brighton in one week.”
