The Black Cats Stage Notorious Magpies Squad Picture After ‘Special’ Derby Victory.
A different manager and an almost completely different team – but someone at Sunderland remembered vividly.
Almost 24 months prior, after Newcastle's thumping 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors celebrated with a group photo on the pitch.
This time, the situation were turned on their head.
Nick Woltemade's mistake proved enough to hand Sunderland a historic win over their rivals in the return of the Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's iconic snapshot at full-time.
“Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who suggested the idea.
Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that previous encounter, was the only Sunderland player to start in the two games.
He disclosed how he desperately wanted to make amends for the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was agonizing for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're delighted with this win.”
“It served as motivation. We came in with more quality in this team, strong personalities, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we merited the win.”
‘Derbies you have to win, it does not matter how’
Seventh-placed Sunderland are experiencing a outstanding return to the top flight following promotion via the play-offs last season.
The Black Cats have a tally of 26 points in 16 games, their best return at this stage of a Premier League campaign since 2000-01.
They are undefeated in the league at the Stadium of Light, which had an electric 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 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 all the way back in 2011.
Manager Regis le Bris said he was “proud and happy” with the performance.
“It was a derby and we were carrying the hopes of our fans,” he stated. “This win is well deserved, we were composed and the lads were outstanding.”
“It's positive for the region, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a special game, but we have to turn the page as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.”
