The Black Cats Stage Iconic Newcastle Group Snapshot After ‘Special’ Local Rivalry Victory.
A different manager and a vastly altered lineup – but the club at Sunderland had a long memory.
Nearly two years ago, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors commemorated the moment with a team picture on the pitch.
On this occasion, the roles were flipped.
Nick Woltemade's own goal 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 mimic Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time.
“Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who came up with the gesture.
Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that cup defeat, was the only Sunderland player to start in each of the games.
He disclosed how he desperately wanted 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 delighted 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 merited the win.”
‘Derbies you have to win, it does not matter how’
Seventh-placed Sunderland are having a superb return to the top flight following promotion via the play-offs last season.
The Black Cats have 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 boasted an feverish 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 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 “delighted and satisfied” with the outcome.
“It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he added. “This win is fully merited, we were mature and the lads were outstanding.”
“It's positive for the area, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a unique game, but we have to reset quickly as we have another hard game in Brighton in one week.”
