The Black Cats Recreate Iconic Magpies Squad Picture In the Wake of ‘Special’ Derby Win.
New leadership and a vastly altered lineup – but the club at Sunderland remembered vividly.
Almost 24 months prior, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies marked the occasion with a full squad photograph on the pitch.
This time, the situation were reversed.
Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved decisive to give Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to stage their own version of Newcastle's iconic snapshot at full-time.
“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who suggested the photograph.
Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that previous encounter, was the only Sunderland player to start in both games.
He disclosed how he was eager to make amends for the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was agonizing for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're delighted with this win.”
“That experience hardened us. We came in with more quality in this team, real leaders, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.”
‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’
Seventh-placed 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 still unbeaten in the league at the Stadium of Light, which had an electric atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.
“Derbies, you have to win, it does not matter how,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team deserves much more – 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 over a decade ago.
Manager Regis le Bris said he was “proud and happy” with the result.
“It was a derby and we were carrying the hopes of our fans,” he stated. “This win is rightfully earned, 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 turn the page as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.”
