Sunderland Stage Notorious Newcastle Group Snapshot In the Wake of Crucial Derby Win.
A different manager and a vastly altered lineup – but someone at Sunderland remembered vividly.
Back in 2024, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies celebrated with a full squad photograph on the pitch.
On this occasion, the roles were reversed.
Nick Woltemade's own goal proved sufficient to hand Sunderland a historic win over their rivals in the return of the Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time.
“Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who proposed the photograph.
Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that cup defeat, was the lone Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in each of the games.
He revealed how he was eager to make amends for the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. 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, strong personalities, we stuck in there, 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 post 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 still unbeaten in the league at the Stadium of Light, which boasted an incredible 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 undefeated 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 “delighted and satisfied” with the performance.
“It was a derby and we were carrying the hopes of our fans,” he continued. “This win is fully merited, we were mature and the lads were incredible.”
“It's fantastic for the local community, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a special game, but we have to turn the page as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.”
