Sunderland Recreate Notorious Newcastle Group Snapshot Following Pivotal Derby Victory.
An altered coaching staff and a vastly altered lineup – but the club at Sunderland wasn't going to forget.
Nearly two years ago, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies marked the occasion with a full squad photograph on the pitch.
On this occasion, the script were flipped.
Nick Woltemade's own goal proved enough to deliver Sunderland a historic win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time.
“Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who suggested the photograph.
Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the only Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in both games.
He revealed 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 let them down, so we're delighted with this win.”
“That experience hardened us. We came in with improved ability in this team, true characters, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we merited the win.”
‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’
Occupying seventh spot Sunderland are enjoying a superb return to the top flight post 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 yet to lose in the league at the Stadium of Light, which boasted an incredible atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.
“In local rivalry matches, the result is everything, the performance secondary,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team is worthy of more respect – where we are in the league is amazing 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 over a decade ago.
Manager Regis le Bris said he was “proud and happy” with the performance.
“It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he continued. “This win is well deserved, we were composed and the lads were superb.”
“It's good for the region, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a huge game, but we have to refocus immediately as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.”
