Sunderland Recreate Famous Magpies Group Snapshot Following Crucial Local Rivalry Triumph.
New leadership and a vastly altered lineup – but someone at Sunderland wasn't going to forget.
Nearly two years ago, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors commemorated the moment with a team picture on the pitch.
Now, the situation were reversed.
Nick Woltemade's own goal proved enough to deliver Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the return of the Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic 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 came up with the idea.
Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded 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 disclosed how he was eager to rectify the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was so painful for the players and for the fans. We felt we had let them down, so we're delighted with this win.”
“It served as motivation. We came in with more quality in this team, real leaders, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we merited the win.”
‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’
Seventh-placed Sunderland are experiencing a excellent 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 still unbeaten 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 deserves much more – 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 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 “delighted and satisfied” with the result.
“It was a derby and we were expected [to win] of our fans,” he continued. “This win is rightfully earned, we were mature and the lads were superb.”
“It's positive for the local community, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a special game, but we have to reset quickly as we have another hard game in Brighton in one week.”
