Sunderland Mimic Notorious Newcastle Group Snapshot After Crucial Derby Victory.
New leadership and a largely changed squad – but the club at Sunderland had a long memory.
Almost 24 months prior, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors commemorated the moment with a full squad photograph on the pitch.
On this occasion, the situation were flipped.
Nick Woltemade's own goal proved decisive to give Sunderland a historic win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time.
“Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who suggested the idea.
Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that previous encounter, was the lone Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in the two games.
He revealed how he was eager to avenge the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was agonizing for the players and for the fans. We felt we had let them down, so we're ecstatic with this win.”
“It served as motivation. We came in with greater talent in this team, real leaders, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.”
‘Derbies you have to win, it does not matter how’
Seventh-placed Sunderland are enjoying a outstanding return to the top flight after promotion via the play-offs last season.
The Black Cats have a tally of 26 points in 16 games, their best return 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 was filled with an electric 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 remarkable 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 over a decade ago.
Manager Regis le Bris said he was “proud and happy” with the result.
“It was a derby and we were carrying the hopes of our fans,” he stated. “This win is fully merited, we were composed and the lads were superb.”
“It's fantastic for the region, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a huge game, but we have to turn the page as we have another hard game in Brighton in one week.”
