The Black Cats Stage Famous Magpies Squad Picture In the Wake of Crucial Local Rivalry Victory.
A different manager and a largely changed squad – but those involved at Sunderland remembered vividly.
Nearly two years ago, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the rivals celebrated with a group photo on the pitch.
This time, the script were reversed.
Nick Woltemade's mistake proved decisive to hand Sunderland a historic win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time.
“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who proposed the gesture.
Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that cup defeat, was the only Sunderland player to start in both games.
He revealed how he desperately wanted to rectify the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're delighted with this win.”
“It prepared us more for today. We came in with more quality in this team, strong personalities, we persevered, 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 superb return to the top flight post promotion via the play-offs last season.
The Black Cats have 26 points on the board in 16 games, their highest total 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 incredible atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.
“Derbies, you have to win, it does not matter how,” 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 most extended period 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 carrying the hopes of our fans,” he continued. “This win is well deserved, we were composed and the lads were incredible.”
“It's good for the area, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a huge game, but we have to reset quickly as we have another hard game in Brighton in one week.”
