Sunderland Recreate Famous Newcastle Team Photo In the Wake of Crucial Derby Triumph.
An altered coaching staff and a vastly altered lineup – but those involved at Sunderland remembered vividly.
Almost 24 months prior, after Newcastle's thumping 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies celebrated with a team picture on the pitch.
On this occasion, the roles were turned on their head.
Nick Woltemade's mistake proved decisive to give Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the return of the Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to stage their own version of Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time.
“Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who came up with the photograph.
Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the only Sunderland player to start in the two games.
He revealed how he desperately wanted to make amends for the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was agonizing for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're overjoyed with this win.”
“That experience hardened us. We came in with more quality in this team, real leaders, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”
‘Derbies you have to win, it does not matter how’
Seventh-placed Sunderland are having a superb return to the top flight following promotion via the play-offs last season.
The Black Cats have 26 points on the board 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 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 merits greater recognition – where we are in the league is remarkable 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 back in August 2011.
Manager Regis le Bris said he was “extremely pleased” with the performance.
“It was a derby and we were expected [to win] of our fans,” he stated. “This win is well deserved, we were disciplined and the lads were outstanding.”
“It's positive for the area, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a unique game, but we have to reset quickly as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.”
