Sunderland Recreate Famous Newcastle Team Photo In the Wake of Pivotal Derby Win.
New leadership and an almost completely different team – but those involved at Sunderland had a long memory.
Almost 24 months prior, after Newcastle's thumping 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies commemorated the moment with a full squad photograph on the pitch.
Now, the script were reversed.
Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved enough to hand Sunderland a long-awaited win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time.
“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who came up with the gesture.
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 revealed how he was determined to rectify 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 delighted with this win.”
“That experience hardened us. We came in with more quality in this team, strong personalities, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.”
‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’
Occupying seventh spot Sunderland are having a outstanding return to the top flight following 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 yet to lose in the league at the Stadium of Light, which had 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 merits greater recognition – 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 best-ever streak without defeat against the Magpies.
Newcastle's last league win over Sunderland was all the way back in 2011.
Manager Regis le Bris said he was “extremely pleased” with the performance.
“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 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.”
