Sunderland Stage Iconic Magpies Team Photo After Pivotal Local Rivalry Victory.
A different manager and an almost completely different team – but the club at Sunderland remembered vividly.
Nearly two years ago, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies commemorated the moment with a team picture on the pitch.
On this occasion, the roles were reversed.
Nick Woltemade's mistake proved decisive to give Sunderland a memorable 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 post-match snapshot at full-time.
“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who proposed the photograph.
Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that previous encounter, was the sole Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in both games.
He explained how he desperately wanted to make amends for the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was agonizing for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're delighted with this win.”
“That experience hardened us. We came in with improved ability in this team, real leaders, we dug deep, 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 having a outstanding return to the top flight after promotion via the play-offs last season.
The Black Cats have 26 points in 16 games, their most at this stage of a Premier League campaign since 2000-01.
They are undefeated in the league at the Stadium of Light, which had an feverish 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 remarkable and we're working really hard.”
Sunderland are also without a loss in their last 10 league games against Newcastle, their most extended period without defeat against the Magpies.
Newcastle's last league win over Sunderland was back in August 2011.
Manager Regis le Bris said he was “proud and happy” with the outcome.
“It was a derby and we were carrying the hopes of our fans,” he added. “This win is rightfully earned, we were disciplined and the lads were outstanding.”
“It's good for the area, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a huge game, but we have to turn the page as we have another hard game in Brighton in one week.”
