The Black Cats Stage Notorious Magpies Squad Picture After ‘Special’ Derby Win.
A different manager and a vastly altered lineup – but the club at Sunderland remembered vividly.
Nearly two years ago, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors marked the occasion with a group photo on the pitch.
On this occasion, the situation were turned on their head.
Nick Woltemade's mistake proved enough to hand Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the return of the Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to recreate Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time.
“Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who suggested the gesture.
Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the sole Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in each of the games.
He revealed how he was eager to make amends for the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're ecstatic with this win.”
“It prepared us more for today. We came in with greater talent in this team, strong personalities, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”
‘Derbies you have to win, it does not matter how’
Sitting in seventh Sunderland are enjoying a superb return to the top flight following promotion via the play-offs last season.
The Black Cats have 26 points in 16 games, their highest total at this stage of a Premier League campaign since 2000-01.
They are undefeated in the league at the Stadium of Light, which was filled with an feverish 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 remarkable and we're working really hard.”
Sunderland are also unbeaten 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 all the way back in 2011.
Manager Regis le Bris said he was “proud and happy” with the result.
“It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he stated. “This win is rightfully earned, we were disciplined 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 hard game in Brighton in one week.”
