The Black Cats Stage Famous Newcastle Team Photo In the Wake of ‘Special’ Local Rivalry Win.
New leadership and a vastly altered lineup – but the club at Sunderland remembered vividly.
Nearly two years ago, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors marked the occasion with a team picture on the pitch.
On this occasion, the situation were reversed.
Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved sufficient 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 stage their own version of Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time.
“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” remarked 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 2024 FA Cup tie, was the only Sunderland player to start in both games.
He explained how he was determined to avenge 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 earned the win.”
‘Derbies you have to win, it does not matter how’
Seventh-placed Sunderland are having a outstanding return to the top flight post 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 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 incredible and we're working really hard.”
Sunderland are also undefeated in their last 10 league games against Newcastle, their most extended period 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 result.
“It was a derby and we were expected [to win] of our fans,” he added. “This win is fully merited, we were mature and the lads were incredible.”
“It's fantastic for the region, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a special game, but we have to refocus immediately as we have another hard game in Brighton in one week.”
