The Black Cats Stage Notorious Newcastle Group Snapshot In the Wake of Pivotal Local Rivalry Victory.
New leadership and a largely changed squad – but the club at Sunderland wasn't going to forget.
Almost 24 months prior, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors celebrated with a group photo on the pitch.
On this occasion, the script were turned on their head.
Nick Woltemade's own goal proved decisive to hand Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to stage their own version of Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time.
“Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who suggested the idea.
Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that previous encounter, was the only Sunderland player to start in each of the games.
He revealed how he desperately wanted to rectify the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was agonizing 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 improved ability in this team, strong personalities, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”
‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’
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 26 points on the board 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 was filled with an incredible atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.
“These games are all about the victory, by hook or by crook,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team merits greater recognition – where we are in the league is amazing 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 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 stated. “This win is fully merited, we were mature and the lads were outstanding.”
“It's fantastic for the area, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a special game, but we have to refocus immediately as we have another hard game in Brighton in one week.”
