🔗 Share this article Sunderland Recreate Notorious Magpies Squad Picture After Pivotal Local Rivalry Win. Sunderland players and staff posed for a picture to mark their victory over their local foes. New leadership and a vastly altered lineup – but those involved at Sunderland wasn't going to forget. Nearly two years ago, after Newcastle's thumping 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies celebrated with a full squad photograph on the pitch. Now, the roles were turned on their head. Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved sufficient to hand Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time. “Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who came up with the idea. Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that previous encounter, was the only Sunderland player to start in the two games. He disclosed how he was determined to avenge the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was so painful for the players and for the fans. We felt we had let them down, so we're delighted with this win.” “That experience hardened us. We came in with greater talent in this team, true characters, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we merited the win.” Sunderland deliberately echoed this picture from Newcastle's previous triumph over the Black Cats. ‘Derbies you have to win, it does not matter how’ Seventh-placed Sunderland are enjoying a superb return to the top flight following 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 had 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 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 over a decade ago. 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 stated. “This win is fully merited, we were composed and the lads were incredible.” “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.” The Sunderland scoreboard at Stadium of Light chose not to show Newcastle's name.
Sunderland players and staff posed for a picture to mark their victory over their local foes. New leadership and a vastly altered lineup – but those involved at Sunderland wasn't going to forget. Nearly two years ago, after Newcastle's thumping 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies celebrated with a full squad photograph on the pitch. Now, the roles were turned on their head. Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved sufficient to hand Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time. “Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who came up with the idea. Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that previous encounter, was the only Sunderland player to start in the two games. He disclosed how he was determined to avenge the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was so painful for the players and for the fans. We felt we had let them down, so we're delighted with this win.” “That experience hardened us. We came in with greater talent in this team, true characters, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we merited the win.” Sunderland deliberately echoed this picture from Newcastle's previous triumph over the Black Cats. ‘Derbies you have to win, it does not matter how’ Seventh-placed Sunderland are enjoying a superb return to the top flight following 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 had 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 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 over a decade ago. 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 stated. “This win is fully merited, we were composed and the lads were incredible.” “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.” The Sunderland scoreboard at Stadium of Light chose not to show Newcastle's name.