Sunderland Recreate Notorious Newcastle Squad Picture In the Wake of Pivotal Derby Triumph.
A different manager and an almost completely different team – but the club at Sunderland remembered vividly.
Back in 2024, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the rivals celebrated with a team picture on the pitch.
On this occasion, the script were turned on their head.
Nick Woltemade's mistake proved sufficient to deliver Sunderland a historic 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.
“Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who proposed the gesture.
Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the only Sunderland player to start in each of the games.
He disclosed how he was determined to avenge the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. 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 merited the win.”
‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’
Sitting in seventh Sunderland are experiencing a superb 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 best return at this stage of a Premier League campaign since 2000-01.
They are yet to lose in the league at the Stadium of Light, which boasted an electric atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.
“Derbies, you have to win, it does not matter how,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team deserves much more – 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 most extended period 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 “delighted and satisfied” with the performance.
“It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he stated. “This win is well deserved, we were composed and the lads were outstanding.”
“It's fantastic for the area, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a unique game, but we have to turn the page as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.”
