Sunderland Stage Iconic Newcastle Group Snapshot In the Wake of Crucial Derby Win.
New leadership and a largely changed squad – but the club at Sunderland remembered vividly.
Almost 24 months prior, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the rivals marked the occasion with a group photo on the pitch.
Now, the roles were flipped.
Nick Woltemade's own goal proved enough to hand Sunderland a long-awaited win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to recreate Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time.
“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who proposed the idea.
Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the sole 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 improved ability 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’
Occupying seventh spot Sunderland are experiencing a excellent return to the top flight after promotion via the play-offs last season.
The Black Cats have 26 points 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 was filled with an electric atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.
“In local rivalry matches, the result is everything, the performance secondary,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team merits greater recognition – where we are in the league is amazing and we're working really hard.”
Sunderland are also unbeaten 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 “proud and happy” with the result.
“It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he stated. “This win is rightfully earned, we were disciplined 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 refocus immediately as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.”
