🔗 Share this article Sunderland Mimic Famous Newcastle Group Snapshot In the Wake of Pivotal Derby Victory. The team gathered for a celebratory photograph to celebrate their success over their rivals. A different manager and a vastly altered lineup – but those involved at Sunderland wasn't going to forget. Nearly two years ago, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors marked the occasion with a team picture on the pitch. This time, the roles were flipped. Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved decisive to deliver Sunderland a long-awaited win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time. “Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who came up with the idea. Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that cup defeat, was the only Sunderland player to start in both games. He explained how he was eager to avenge the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was agonizing 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, real leaders, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.” Sunderland paid homage to this picture from Newcastle's previous triumph over the Black Cats. ‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’ Sitting in seventh Sunderland are having a superb return to the top flight following promotion via the play-offs last season. The Black Cats have a tally of 26 points in 16 games, their most 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 incredible 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 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 outcome. “It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he continued. “This win is rightfully earned, we were composed and the lads were incredible.” “It's good 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.” The Sunderland scoreboard at Stadium of Light pointedly omitted Newcastle's name.
The team gathered for a celebratory photograph to celebrate their success over their rivals. A different manager and a vastly altered lineup – but those involved at Sunderland wasn't going to forget. Nearly two years ago, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors marked the occasion with a team picture on the pitch. This time, the roles were flipped. Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved decisive to deliver Sunderland a long-awaited win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time. “Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who came up with the idea. Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that cup defeat, was the only Sunderland player to start in both games. He explained how he was eager to avenge the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was agonizing 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, real leaders, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.” Sunderland paid homage to this picture from Newcastle's previous triumph over the Black Cats. ‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’ Sitting in seventh Sunderland are having a superb return to the top flight following promotion via the play-offs last season. The Black Cats have a tally of 26 points in 16 games, their most 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 incredible 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 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 outcome. “It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he continued. “This win is rightfully earned, we were composed and the lads were incredible.” “It's good 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.” The Sunderland scoreboard at Stadium of Light pointedly omitted Newcastle's name.