🔗 Share this article Sunderland Mimic Notorious Magpies Squad Picture In the Wake of Pivotal Local Rivalry Triumph. A commemorative snap was taken by the squad to celebrate their win over their arch-rivals. An altered coaching staff and a vastly altered lineup – but those involved at Sunderland wasn't going to forget. Almost 24 months prior, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies celebrated with a team picture on the pitch. Now, the situation were flipped. Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved enough 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 mimic Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time. “Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who came up with the photograph. Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that cup defeat, was the lone Sunderland player to start in the two games. He disclosed how he was determined to make amends for the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was so painful for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're overjoyed with this win.” “That experience hardened us. We came in with improved ability in this team, real leaders, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we earned 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 having a excellent 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 yet to lose in the league at the Stadium of Light, which had an incredible 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 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 “proud and happy” with the outcome. “It was a derby and we were expected [to win] of our fans,” he added. “This win is rightfully earned, we were mature and the lads were outstanding.” “It's fantastic for the region, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a huge game, but we have to turn the page as we have another difficult test in Brighton in one week.” The Sunderland scoreboard at Stadium of Light chose not to show Newcastle's name.
A commemorative snap was taken by the squad to celebrate their win over their arch-rivals. An altered coaching staff and a vastly altered lineup – but those involved at Sunderland wasn't going to forget. Almost 24 months prior, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies celebrated with a team picture on the pitch. Now, the situation were flipped. Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved enough 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 mimic Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time. “Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who came up with the photograph. Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that cup defeat, was the lone Sunderland player to start in the two games. He disclosed how he was determined to make amends for the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was so painful for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're overjoyed with this win.” “That experience hardened us. We came in with improved ability in this team, real leaders, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we earned 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 having a excellent 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 yet to lose in the league at the Stadium of Light, which had an incredible 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 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 “proud and happy” with the outcome. “It was a derby and we were expected [to win] of our fans,” he added. “This win is rightfully earned, we were mature and the lads were outstanding.” “It's fantastic for the region, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a huge game, but we have to turn the page as we have another difficult test in Brighton in one week.” The Sunderland scoreboard at Stadium of Light chose not to show Newcastle's name.