Sunderland Recreate Notorious Newcastle Group Snapshot Following Crucial Derby Victory.
A different manager and a vastly altered lineup – but those involved at Sunderland wasn't going to forget.
Back in 2024, after Newcastle's thumping 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies marked the occasion with a full squad photograph on the pitch.
On this occasion, the situation were reversed.
Nick Woltemade's mistake 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 post-match snapshot at full-time.
“Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who suggested the gesture.
Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that cup defeat, was the sole Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in both games.
He disclosed how he was determined 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 delighted with this win.”
“That experience hardened us. We came in with greater talent in this team, true characters, 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 having a excellent return to the top flight post promotion via the play-offs last season.
The Black Cats have 26 points on the board in 16 games, their highest total at this stage of a Premier League campaign since 2000-01.
They are still unbeaten in the league at the Stadium of Light, which boasted 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 unbeaten in their last 10 league games against Newcastle, their longest such run 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 outcome.
“It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he added. “This win is rightfully earned, we were disciplined and the lads were incredible.”
“It's good for the region, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a special game, but we have to reset quickly as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.”
