Sunderland Mimic Famous Newcastle Group Snapshot Following Pivotal Derby Triumph.
New leadership and a largely changed squad – but the club at Sunderland remembered vividly.
Nearly two years ago, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors marked the occasion with a team picture on the pitch.
Now, the roles were turned on their head.
Nick Woltemade's mistake proved decisive to hand Sunderland a long-awaited win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time.
“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who suggested the gesture.
Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that cup defeat, was the lone Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in each of the games.
He explained how he was eager to rectify the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was agonizing for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're overjoyed with this win.”
“That experience hardened us. We came in with improved ability in this team, true characters, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we merited the win.”
‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’
Occupying seventh spot Sunderland are having a superb return to the top flight after promotion via the play-offs last season.
The Black Cats have 26 points on the board 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 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 longest such run without defeat against the Magpies.
Newcastle's last league win over Sunderland was over a decade ago.
Manager Regis le Bris said he was “extremely pleased” with the result.
“It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he continued. “This win is fully merited, we were mature and the lads were superb.”
“It's good for the region, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a special game, but we have to refocus immediately as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.”
