The Black Cats Recreate Iconic Magpies Squad Picture In the Wake of Pivotal Local Rivalry Victory.
A different manager and a vastly altered lineup – but the club at Sunderland had a long memory.
Nearly two years ago, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the rivals commemorated the moment with a group photo on the pitch.
This time, the roles were reversed.
Nick Woltemade's own goal proved sufficient to deliver 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,” said with a grin 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 be in the starting XI in both games.
He disclosed how he was determined to make amends for the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're ecstatic with this win.”
“It prepared us more for today. We came in with more quality in this team, real leaders, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.”
‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’
Occupying seventh spot Sunderland are experiencing a superb return to the top flight post promotion via the play-offs last season.
The Black Cats have 26 points in 16 games, their best return 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 boasted an electric 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 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 “delighted and satisfied” with the performance.
“It was a derby and we were carrying the hopes of our fans,” he stated. “This win is rightfully earned, we were disciplined and the lads were incredible.”
“It's good for the area, 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.”
