The Black Cats Mimic Iconic Newcastle Team Photo After Crucial Local Rivalry Win.
An altered coaching staff and an almost completely different team – but the club at Sunderland wasn't going to forget.
Almost 24 months prior, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors celebrated with a group photo on the pitch.
This time, the script were reversed.
Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved sufficient to hand Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to stage their own version of Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time.
“Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who came up with 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 explained how he was eager to rectify 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 overjoyed with this win.”
“It prepared us more for today. We came in with improved ability in this team, true characters, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.”
‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’
Seventh-placed Sunderland are having a outstanding return to the top flight post promotion via the play-offs last season.
The Black Cats have a tally of 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 was filled with an incredible 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 incredible 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 all the way back in 2011.
Manager Regis le Bris said he was “proud and happy” with the performance.
“It was a derby and we were carrying the hopes of our fans,” he continued. “This win is rightfully earned, we were composed and the lads were superb.”
“It's good 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.”
