Sunderland Recreate Iconic Magpies Squad Picture In the Wake of Crucial Local Rivalry Triumph.
New leadership and a largely changed squad – but the club at Sunderland wasn't going to forget.
Back in 2024, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the rivals commemorated the moment with a full squad photograph on the pitch.
On this occasion, the roles were turned on their head.
Nick Woltemade's mistake proved decisive to hand Sunderland a long-awaited win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to stage their own version of Newcastle's iconic snapshot at full-time.
“Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who suggested the idea.
Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the only Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in each of the games.
He disclosed how he was determined to rectify the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're overjoyed with this win.”
“It served as motivation. We came in with more quality in this team, real leaders, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”
‘Derbies you have to win, it does not matter how’
Seventh-placed Sunderland are having a excellent return to the top flight post promotion via the play-offs last season.
The Black Cats have a tally of 26 points in 16 games, their highest total 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 feverish 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 incredible and we're working really hard.”
Sunderland are also undefeated 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 carrying the hopes of our fans,” he added. “This win is fully merited, we were composed and the lads were outstanding.”
“It's good for the region, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a special game, but we have to reset quickly as we have another hard game in Brighton in one week.”
