Sunderland Mimic Notorious Newcastle Squad Picture After ‘Special’ Derby Win.
A different manager and a vastly altered lineup – but the club at Sunderland had a long memory.
Back in 2024, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors commemorated the moment with a group photo on the pitch.
This time, the situation were reversed.
Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved sufficient to deliver Sunderland a memorable 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.
“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who suggested the photograph.
Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that cup defeat, was the lone Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in both games.
He revealed how he was determined to make amends for the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're delighted with this win.”
“That experience hardened us. We came in with more quality in this team, strong personalities, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we merited the win.”
‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’
Occupying seventh spot Sunderland are enjoying 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 undefeated in the league at the Stadium of Light, which boasted 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 merits greater recognition – where we are in the league is remarkable 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 back in August 2011.
Manager Regis le Bris said he was “extremely pleased” with the result.
“It was a derby and we were carrying the hopes of our fans,” he stated. “This win is well deserved, we were disciplined and the lads were incredible.”
“It's good for the local community, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a special game, but we have to reset quickly as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.”
