Sunderland Stage Notorious Newcastle Team Photo After Crucial Derby Win.
New leadership and a vastly altered lineup – 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 rivals marked the occasion 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 mimic Newcastle's post-match 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 scored an own goal in that previous encounter, was the only Sunderland player to start in both games.
He disclosed how he desperately wanted to avenge the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was so painful for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're delighted with this win.”
“That experience hardened us. We came in with more quality in this team, real leaders, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”
‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’
Occupying seventh spot Sunderland are having a excellent return to the top flight following promotion via the play-offs last season.
The Black Cats have 26 points in 16 games, their most at this stage of a Premier League campaign since 2000-01.
They are undefeated in the league at the Stadium of Light, which was filled with an incredible atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.
“Derbies, you have to win, it does not matter how,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team is worthy of more respect – 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 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 “proud and happy” with the performance.
“It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he continued. “This win is rightfully earned, we were composed and the lads were incredible.”
“It's fantastic for the region, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a unique game, but we have to reset quickly as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.”
