Sunderland Mimic Iconic Newcastle Group Snapshot In the Wake of Pivotal Local Rivalry Triumph.
New leadership and a vastly altered lineup – but those involved at Sunderland had a long memory.
Almost 24 months prior, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors commemorated the moment with a group photo on the pitch.
Now, the script were flipped.
Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved decisive to deliver Sunderland a historic win over their rivals in the return of the Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's iconic snapshot at full-time.
“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who came up with the idea.
Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that previous encounter, was the only Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in each of the games.
He disclosed how he was determined to make amends for the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're overjoyed with this win.”
“It served as motivation. We came in with more quality in this team, strong personalities, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.”
‘Derbies you have to win, it does not matter how’
Seventh-placed Sunderland are enjoying a outstanding 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 yet to lose in the league at the Stadium of Light, which had 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 merits greater recognition – where we are in the league is amazing 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 all the way back in 2011.
Manager Regis le Bris said he was “delighted and satisfied” with the outcome.
“It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he added. “This win is rightfully earned, we were mature and the lads were outstanding.”
“It's fantastic for the region, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a unique game, but we have to reset quickly as we have another hard game in Brighton in one week.”
