The Black Cats Recreate Notorious Newcastle Group Snapshot Following ‘Special’ Local Rivalry Win.
A different manager and a vastly altered lineup – but the club at Sunderland remembered vividly.
Back in 2024, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies marked the occasion with a full squad photograph on the pitch.
On this occasion, the situation were reversed.
Nick Woltemade's mistake proved enough to hand Sunderland a long-awaited win over their rivals in the return of the Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to recreate Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time.
“Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who came up with the gesture.
Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that cup defeat, was the lone Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in the two games.
He explained how he was eager to rectify the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was so painful for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're delighted with this win.”
“It served as motivation. We came in with improved ability in this team, strong personalities, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”
‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’
Sitting in seventh Sunderland are having a outstanding return to the top flight following promotion via the play-offs last season.
The Black Cats have 26 points 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 boasted an incredible atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.
“These games are all about the victory, by hook or by crook,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team deserves much more – 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 longest such run without defeat against the Magpies.
Newcastle's last league win over Sunderland was back in August 2011.
Manager Regis le Bris said he was “extremely pleased” with the result.
“It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he stated. “This win is well deserved, we were mature and the lads were outstanding.”
“It's positive for the local community, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a special game, but we have to refocus immediately as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.”
