The Black Cats Recreate Famous Newcastle Group Snapshot In the Wake of Pivotal Local Rivalry Victory.
A different manager and a vastly altered lineup – 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 celebrated with a team picture on the pitch.
On this occasion, the roles were flipped.
Nick Woltemade's mistake proved sufficient to hand Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the return of the Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to recreate Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time.
“Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who suggested the idea.
Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that previous encounter, was the lone Sunderland player to start in the two games.
He explained how he was determined to rectify the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're overjoyed with this win.”
“It served as motivation. We came in with more quality 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 enjoying a outstanding return to the top flight following promotion via the play-offs last season.
The Black Cats have 26 points on the board in 16 games, their most 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 feverish 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 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 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 stated. “This win is rightfully earned, we were composed and the lads were outstanding.”
“It's positive 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 tough challenge in Brighton in one week.”
