The Black Cats Recreate Famous Magpies Squad Picture Following Crucial Local Rivalry Triumph.
A different manager and a largely changed squad – but those involved at Sunderland had a long memory.
Nearly two years ago, after Newcastle's thumping 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies marked the occasion with a group photo on the pitch.
On this occasion, the roles were turned on their head.
Nick Woltemade's own goal proved sufficient to give 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.
“Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who suggested the gesture.
Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the lone Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in both games.
He revealed how he was determined to avenge the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was so painful for the players and for the fans. We felt we had let them down, so we're ecstatic with this win.”
“That experience hardened us. We came in with improved ability in this team, strong personalities, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.”
‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’
Sitting in seventh 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 highest total 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 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 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 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 “extremely pleased” with the performance.
“It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he added. “This win is well deserved, we were mature and the lads were incredible.”
“It's fantastic for the region, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a unique game, but we have to reset quickly as we have another hard game in Brighton in one week.”
