The Black Cats Mimic Notorious Magpies Group Snapshot In the Wake of Pivotal Local Rivalry Victory.
An altered coaching staff and an almost completely different team – but someone 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 visitors marked the occasion with a full squad photograph on the pitch.
On this occasion, the situation were reversed.
Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved sufficient to give Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the return of the Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to stage their own version of Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time.
“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who suggested the photograph.
Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that previous encounter, was the lone Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in the two games.
He disclosed how he was eager to rectify 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 overjoyed with this win.”
“It prepared us more for today. We came in with improved ability in this team, strong personalities, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.”
‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’
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 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 boasted an electric atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.
“Derbies, you have to win, it does not matter how,” 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 longest such run without defeat against the Magpies.
Newcastle's last league win over Sunderland was back in August 2011.
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 stated. “This win is rightfully earned, we were mature 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 reset quickly as we have another difficult test in Brighton in one week.”
