Sunderland Mimic Famous Magpies Group Snapshot After ‘Special’ Derby Victory.
New leadership and a largely changed squad – but the club 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 Geordies commemorated the moment with a team picture on the pitch.
Now, the situation were flipped.
Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved sufficient to deliver Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the return of the Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time.
“Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” remarked 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 only Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in each of the games.
He revealed how he was determined to rectify 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 ecstatic with this win.”
“It prepared us more for today. We came in with greater talent in this team, true characters, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”
‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’
Sitting in seventh Sunderland are experiencing a outstanding return to the top flight after 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 boasted an incredible atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.
“Derbies, you have to win, it does not matter how,” 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 undefeated 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 “delighted and satisfied” with the outcome.
“It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he continued. “This win is rightfully earned, we were mature and the lads were superb.”
“It's positive for the region, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a huge game, but we have to refocus immediately as we have another difficult test in Brighton in one week.”
