Sunderland Stage Notorious Magpies Squad Picture After Crucial Local Rivalry Victory.
A different manager and a vastly altered lineup – but those involved at Sunderland wasn't going to forget.
Almost 24 months prior, after Newcastle's thumping 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors celebrated with a full squad photograph on the pitch.
On this occasion, the script were flipped.
Nick Woltemade's own goal proved sufficient to give Sunderland a memorable 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 post-match snapshot at full-time.
“Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who suggested the photograph.
Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that previous encounter, was the only Sunderland player to start in both games.
He revealed how he was determined 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 failed them, so we're delighted with this win.”
“It served as motivation. We came in with more quality in this team, true characters, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”
‘Derbies you have to win, it does not matter how’
Occupying seventh spot Sunderland are experiencing a superb return to the top flight following promotion via the play-offs last season.
The Black Cats have 26 points in 16 games, their most 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 feverish atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.
“In local rivalry matches, the result is everything, the performance secondary,” 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 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 “delighted and satisfied” with the result.
“It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he added. “This win is well deserved, we were disciplined and the lads were incredible.”
“It's fantastic for the local community, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a special game, but we have to refocus immediately as we have another difficult test in Brighton in one week.”
