Sunderland Stage Iconic Magpies Team Photo Following ‘Special’ Local Rivalry Triumph.
New leadership and a vastly altered lineup – but those involved at Sunderland had a long memory.
Almost 24 months prior, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors celebrated with a team picture on the pitch.
On this occasion, the roles were flipped.
Nick Woltemade's own goal proved decisive to hand Sunderland a long-awaited win over their rivals in the inaugural 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,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who suggested the idea.
Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that previous encounter, was the sole Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in each of the games.
He explained how he desperately wanted to rectify the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was so painful for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're overjoyed with this win.”
“It prepared us more for today. We came in with greater talent in this team, true characters, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we merited the win.”
‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’
Occupying seventh spot Sunderland are experiencing a excellent return to the top flight after promotion via the play-offs last season.
The Black Cats have a tally of 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 electric atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.
“Derbies, you have to win, it does not matter how,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team merits greater recognition – where we are in the league is incredible 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 “delighted and satisfied” with the performance.
“It was a derby and we were expected [to win] of our fans,” he added. “This win is rightfully earned, we were mature and the lads were outstanding.”
“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 difficult test in Brighton in one week.”
