Sunderland Mimic Famous Newcastle Team Photo After Crucial Derby Victory.
An altered coaching staff and a largely changed squad – 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 visitors marked the occasion with a team picture on the pitch.
On this occasion, the situation were flipped.
Nick Woltemade's own goal proved enough to hand Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time.
“Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who suggested the idea.
Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that cup defeat, was the only Sunderland player to start in the two games.
He revealed how he was determined to rectify 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 delighted with this win.”
“It prepared us more for today. We came in with greater talent in this team, real leaders, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.”
‘Derbies you have to win, it does not matter how’
Occupying seventh spot Sunderland are having a superb 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 best return 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 electric atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.
“Derbies, you have to win, it does not matter how,” 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 best-ever streak 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 expected [to win] of our fans,” he continued. “This win is rightfully earned, we were mature and the lads were incredible.”
“It's positive for the area, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a special game, but we have to turn the page as we have another hard game in Brighton in one week.”
