Sunderland Recreate Famous Newcastle Team Photo Following Pivotal Local Rivalry Win.
An altered coaching staff and a vastly altered lineup – but someone at Sunderland had a long memory.
Back in 2024, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors marked the occasion with a group photo on the pitch.
On this occasion, the roles were reversed.
Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved enough 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 mimic Newcastle's iconic snapshot at full-time.
“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who suggested the photograph.
Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that cup defeat, was the only Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in each of the games.
He explained how he desperately wanted to avenge the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're ecstatic 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’
Occupying seventh spot Sunderland are enjoying a superb return to the top flight post promotion via the play-offs last season.
The Black Cats have 26 points in 16 games, their most at this stage of a Premier League campaign since 2000-01.
They are undefeated in the league at the Stadium of Light, which had an electric atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.
“These games are all about the victory, by hook or by crook,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team is worthy of more respect – where we are in the league is amazing and we're working really hard.”
Sunderland are also without a loss 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 “delighted and satisfied” with the result.
“It was a derby and we were expected [to win] of our fans,” he stated. “This win is fully merited, we were mature and the lads were superb.”
“It's good for the local community, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a unique game, but we have to refocus immediately as we have another hard game in Brighton in one week.”
