Sunderland Recreate Famous Newcastle Squad Picture In the Wake of ‘Special’ Local Rivalry Triumph.
New leadership and a vastly altered lineup – but the club at Sunderland wasn't going to forget.
Almost 24 months prior, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors celebrated with a full squad photograph on the pitch.
On this occasion, the roles were turned on their head.
Nick Woltemade's own goal proved sufficient to hand 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.
“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who came up with the gesture.
Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the lone Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in both games.
He explained how he desperately wanted to rectify the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're delighted with this win.”
“That experience hardened us. We came in with improved ability in this team, true characters, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”
‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’
Seventh-placed Sunderland are enjoying a excellent 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 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 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 incredible and we're working really hard.”
Sunderland are also unbeaten 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 all the way back in 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 rightfully earned, we were mature and the lads were outstanding.”
“It's positive 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 difficult test in Brighton in one week.”
