🔗 Share this article The Black Cats Stage Iconic Magpies Squad Picture Following ‘Special’ Derby Victory. A commemorative snap was taken by the squad to celebrate their victory over their rivals. An altered coaching staff and a vastly altered lineup – but someone at Sunderland remembered vividly. Almost 24 months prior, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the rivals celebrated with a team picture on the pitch. This time, the script were turned on their head. Nick Woltemade's own goal proved decisive to give Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to recreate Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time. “Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who came up with the photograph. Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that previous encounter, was the only Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in each of the games. He explained how he was eager to avenge 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 delighted with this win.” “It prepared us more for today. We came in with greater talent in this team, true characters, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we merited the win.” Sunderland deliberately echoed this picture from Newcastle's cup win over the Black Cats. ‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’ Sitting in seventh Sunderland are experiencing 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 most at this stage of a Premier League campaign since 2000-01. They are undefeated in the league at the Stadium of Light, which was filled with an feverish atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon. “Derbies, you have to win, it does not matter how,” 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 undefeated in their last 10 league games against Newcastle, their most extended period 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 outcome. “It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he continued. “This win is fully merited, we were composed and the lads were incredible.” “It's fantastic for the local community, 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.
A commemorative snap was taken by the squad to celebrate their victory over their rivals. An altered coaching staff and a vastly altered lineup – but someone at Sunderland remembered vividly. Almost 24 months prior, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the rivals celebrated with a team picture on the pitch. This time, the script were turned on their head. Nick Woltemade's own goal proved decisive to give Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to recreate Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time. “Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who came up with the photograph. Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that previous encounter, was the only Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in each of the games. He explained how he was eager to avenge 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 delighted with this win.” “It prepared us more for today. We came in with greater talent in this team, true characters, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we merited the win.” Sunderland deliberately echoed this picture from Newcastle's cup win over the Black Cats. ‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’ Sitting in seventh Sunderland are experiencing 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 most at this stage of a Premier League campaign since 2000-01. They are undefeated in the league at the Stadium of Light, which was filled with an feverish atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon. “Derbies, you have to win, it does not matter how,” 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 undefeated in their last 10 league games against Newcastle, their most extended period 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 outcome. “It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he continued. “This win is fully merited, we were composed and the lads were incredible.” “It's fantastic for the local community, 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.