Sunderland Mimic Famous Newcastle Team Photo After Pivotal Local Rivalry Triumph.
A different manager and a vastly altered lineup – but someone 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 Geordies commemorated the moment with a full squad photograph on the pitch.
On this occasion, the script were turned on their head.
Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved sufficient to deliver Sunderland a long-awaited win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time.
“Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who came up with the photograph.
Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the only Sunderland player to start in each of the games.
He revealed how he was eager to rectify the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're overjoyed with this win.”
“That experience hardened us. We came in with more quality in this team, true characters, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”
‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’
Seventh-placed Sunderland are having a outstanding return to the top flight after 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 yet to lose in the league at the Stadium of Light, which was filled with an incredible 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 incredible 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 over a decade ago.
Manager Regis le Bris said he was “extremely pleased” with the outcome.
“It was a derby and we were expected [to win] of our fans,” he added. “This win is well deserved, we were composed and the lads were superb.”
“It's good for the area, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a huge game, but we have to refocus immediately as we have another hard game in Brighton in one week.”
