Sunderland Recreate Famous Newcastle Team Photo After Crucial Derby Victory.
New leadership and a largely changed squad – but the club at Sunderland wasn't going to forget.
Nearly two years ago, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies marked the occasion with a team picture on the pitch.
On this occasion, the roles were flipped.
Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved sufficient to deliver Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to recreate Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time.
“Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who came up with the idea.
Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that cup defeat, was the lone Sunderland player to start in the two games.
He disclosed how he desperately wanted to avenge the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was so painful 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 greater talent in this team, real leaders, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we merited the win.”
‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’
Seventh-placed Sunderland are enjoying a outstanding return to the top flight post promotion via the play-offs last season.
The Black Cats have 26 points 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 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 incredible 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 “extremely pleased” with the outcome.
“It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he continued. “This win is well deserved, we were composed 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.”
