Sunderland Recreate Iconic Magpies Squad Picture In the Wake of Crucial Local Rivalry Win.
New leadership and a largely changed squad – but those involved at Sunderland had a long memory.
Almost 24 months prior, after Newcastle's thumping 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies celebrated with a team picture on the pitch.
On this occasion, the script were turned on their head.
Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved enough to give Sunderland a long-awaited win over their rivals in the return of the Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to recreate Newcastle's iconic snapshot at full-time.
“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” remarked 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 lone Sunderland player to start in both games.
He disclosed how he was determined to rectify the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was so painful for the players and for the fans. We felt we had let them down, so we're ecstatic with this win.”
“It served as motivation. We came in with greater talent in this team, strong personalities, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.”
‘Derbies you have to win, it does not matter how’
Occupying seventh spot Sunderland are enjoying a excellent 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 still unbeaten in the league at the Stadium of Light, which had 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 incredible and we're working really hard.”
Sunderland are also unbeaten 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 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 huge game, but we have to turn the page as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.”
