Sunderland Stage Notorious Newcastle Squad Picture In the Wake of ‘Special’ Local Rivalry Victory.
An altered coaching staff and a vastly altered lineup – but those involved at Sunderland remembered vividly.
Nearly two years ago, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies commemorated the moment with a team picture on the pitch.
Now, the situation were reversed.
Nick Woltemade's mistake proved decisive to give 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 iconic snapshot at full-time.
“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who suggested the photograph.
Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that previous encounter, was the only Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in each of the games.
He explained how he was determined to rectify the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. 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 served as motivation. We came in with more quality in this team, real leaders, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.”
‘Derbies you have to win, it does not matter how’
Sitting in seventh Sunderland are enjoying a excellent return to the top flight following 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 had 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 amazing and we're working really hard.”
Sunderland are also unbeaten 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 all the way back in 2011.
Manager Regis le Bris said he was “extremely pleased” with the performance.
“It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he continued. “This win is rightfully earned, we were disciplined and the lads were superb.”
“It's good for the local community, 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.”
