Sunderland Recreate Notorious Magpies Group Snapshot After ‘Special’ Local Rivalry Win.
An altered coaching staff and an almost completely different team – but those involved at Sunderland had a long memory.
Nearly two years ago, after Newcastle's thumping 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the rivals celebrated with a full squad photograph on the pitch.
This time, the situation were flipped.
Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved sufficient 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 celebratory snapshot at full-time.
“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who came up with the gesture.
Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that previous encounter, was the only Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in each of the games.
He explained how he desperately wanted to rectify the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was agonizing for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're ecstatic with this win.”
“That experience hardened us. We came in with greater talent in this team, real leaders, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.”
‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’
Seventh-placed Sunderland are experiencing a superb return to the top flight after 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 yet to lose 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 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 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 “extremely pleased” 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 disciplined and the lads were superb.”
“It's positive 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 hard game in Brighton in one week.”
