The Black Cats Stage Famous Magpies Group Snapshot Following Crucial Local Rivalry Victory.
New leadership and a largely changed squad – but someone at Sunderland had a long memory.
Nearly two years ago, after Newcastle's thumping 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the rivals commemorated the moment with a team picture on the pitch.
On this occasion, the roles were turned on their head.
Nick Woltemade's mistake proved sufficient to hand Sunderland a long-awaited win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to recreate Newcastle's iconic snapshot at full-time.
“Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who came up with the idea.
Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that previous encounter, was the only Sunderland player to start in the two games.
He revealed how he was eager to make amends for the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was so painful for the players and for the fans. We felt we had let them down, so we're delighted with this win.”
“It served as motivation. We came in with more quality in this team, real leaders, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.”
‘Derbies you have to win, it does not matter how’
Sitting in seventh Sunderland are having a outstanding return to the top flight post promotion via the play-offs last season.
The Black Cats have a tally of 26 points in 16 games, their highest total at this stage of a Premier League campaign since 2000-01.
They are yet to lose in the league at the Stadium of Light, which had an electric 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 remarkable 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 under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he continued. “This win is fully merited, we were disciplined and the lads were outstanding.”
“It's positive for the local community, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a unique game, but we have to turn the page as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.”
