The Black Cats Stage Notorious Magpies Team Photo Following Pivotal Local Rivalry Victory.
New leadership and a largely changed squad – but those involved at Sunderland had a long memory.
Nearly two years ago, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies marked the occasion with a team picture on the pitch.
On this occasion, the situation were turned on their head.
Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved decisive to hand Sunderland a historic win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's iconic snapshot at full-time.
“Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who came up with the gesture.
Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that cup defeat, was the sole Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in the two games.
He revealed how he was eager to avenge the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was agonizing for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're overjoyed with this win.”
“It served as motivation. We came in with more quality in this team, strong personalities, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.”
‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’
Sitting in seventh Sunderland are enjoying a superb return to the top flight post 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 yet to lose in the league at the Stadium of Light, which was filled with 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 remarkable and we're working really hard.”
Sunderland are also undefeated 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 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 stated. “This win is rightfully earned, we were composed and the lads were outstanding.”
“It's good for the region, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a huge game, but we have to turn the page as we have another difficult test in Brighton in one week.”
