The Black Cats Mimic Notorious Magpies Squad Picture After Pivotal Derby Triumph.
New leadership and an almost completely different team – but those involved 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 commemorated the moment with a group photo on the pitch.
This time, the situation were turned on their head.
Nick Woltemade's mistake proved sufficient to deliver Sunderland a long-awaited 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.
“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who proposed the photograph.
Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that cup defeat, was the sole Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in both games.
He explained how he was eager to make amends for the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had let them down, so we're ecstatic with this win.”
“That experience hardened us. We came in with improved ability in this team, true characters, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we earned 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 after 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 still unbeaten in the league at the Stadium of Light, which was filled with an electric atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.
“These games are all about the victory, by hook or by crook,” 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 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 “delighted and satisfied” with the outcome.
“It was a derby and we were expected [to win] of our fans,” he added. “This win is well deserved, we were composed and the lads were outstanding.”
“It's good for the region, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a unique game, but we have to turn the page as we have another difficult test in Brighton in one week.”
