The Black Cats Stage Famous Magpies Group Snapshot Following ‘Special’ Local Rivalry Victory.
A different manager and a vastly altered lineup – but those involved at Sunderland had a long memory.
Nearly two years ago, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the rivals celebrated with a full squad photograph on the pitch.
This time, the roles were turned on their head.
Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved enough to hand Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the return of the Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to stage their own version of Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time.
“Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who proposed the photograph.
Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that previous encounter, was the sole Sunderland player to start in each of the games.
He explained how he was eager to avenge the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was so painful for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're ecstatic with this win.”
“It served as motivation. We came in with improved ability in this team, strong personalities, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.”
‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’
Sitting in seventh Sunderland are enjoying a superb return to the top flight after promotion via the play-offs last season.
The Black Cats have 26 points in 16 games, their best return at this stage of a Premier League campaign since 2000-01.
They are undefeated in the league at the Stadium of Light, which was filled with an feverish atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.
“In local rivalry matches, the result is everything, the performance secondary,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team is worthy of more respect – 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 best-ever streak 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 expected [to win] of our fans,” he stated. “This win is fully merited, we were mature and the lads were incredible.”
“It's fantastic for the local community, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a unique game, but we have to reset quickly as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.”
