Sunderland Stage Notorious Newcastle Team Photo After ‘Special’ Derby Victory.
An altered coaching staff and a largely changed squad – but someone at Sunderland wasn't going to forget.
Almost 24 months prior, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies commemorated the moment with a group photo on the pitch.
On this occasion, the situation were flipped.
Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved decisive to deliver Sunderland a long-awaited 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 celebratory snapshot at full-time.
“Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who proposed the photograph.
Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that previous encounter, was the sole Sunderland player to start in the two games.
He disclosed how he was eager to avenge the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was agonizing for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're delighted with this win.”
“It served as motivation. We came in with more quality in this team, strong personalities, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”
‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’
Occupying seventh spot Sunderland are enjoying a outstanding return to the top flight following 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 feverish atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.
“In local rivalry matches, the result is everything, the performance secondary,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team deserves much more – where we are in the league is incredible 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 back in August 2011.
Manager Regis le Bris said he was “extremely pleased” with the performance.
“It was a derby and we were expected [to win] of our fans,” he added. “This win is rightfully earned, we were disciplined 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 turn the page as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.”
