The Black Cats Recreate Notorious Newcastle Group Snapshot After Crucial Local Rivalry Victory.
A different manager and a vastly altered lineup – but the club at Sunderland wasn't going to forget.
Almost 24 months prior, after Newcastle's thumping 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors commemorated the moment with a full squad photograph on the pitch.
This time, the script were flipped.
Nick Woltemade's mistake proved enough to give Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's iconic snapshot at full-time.
“Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who proposed the photograph.
Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that cup defeat, was the sole Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in both games.
He disclosed how he was determined to avenge the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was agonizing for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're overjoyed with this win.”
“It served as motivation. We came in with improved ability in this team, real leaders, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we merited the win.”
‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’
Occupying seventh spot Sunderland are experiencing a outstanding return to the top flight following promotion via the play-offs last season.
The Black Cats have a tally of 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 was filled with an feverish 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 incredible 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 result.
“It was a derby and we were carrying the hopes of our fans,” he added. “This win is rightfully earned, we were composed and the lads were outstanding.”
“It's fantastic for the region, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a huge game, but we have to reset quickly as we have another difficult test in Brighton in one week.”
