🔗 Share this article The Black Cats Stage Notorious Newcastle Squad Picture After Pivotal Local Rivalry Win. Sunderland players and staff posed for a picture to celebrate their victory 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 Newcastle's thumping 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies marked the occasion with a group photo on the pitch. This time, the roles were turned on their head. Nick Woltemade's mistake proved decisive to deliver Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to recreate Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time. “Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who proposed the gesture. Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that cup defeat, was the lone Sunderland player to start in each of the games. He revealed how he was eager to rectify the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're overjoyed with this win.” “It prepared us more for today. We came in with greater talent in this team, real leaders, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we merited the win.” Sunderland recreated this picture from Newcastle's cup win over the Black Cats. ‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’ Occupying seventh spot Sunderland are enjoying a outstanding return to the top flight after promotion via the play-offs last season. The Black Cats have 26 points on the board 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 had an feverish atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon. “Derbies, you have to win, it does not matter how,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team deserves much more – 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 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 result. “It was a derby and we were expected [to win] of our fans,” he added. “This win is well deserved, we were composed and the lads were superb.” “It's fantastic for the region, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a special 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 did not display Newcastle's name.
Sunderland players and staff posed for a picture to celebrate their victory 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 Newcastle's thumping 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies marked the occasion with a group photo on the pitch. This time, the roles were turned on their head. Nick Woltemade's mistake proved decisive to deliver Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to recreate Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time. “Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who proposed the gesture. Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that cup defeat, was the lone Sunderland player to start in each of the games. He revealed how he was eager to rectify the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're overjoyed with this win.” “It prepared us more for today. We came in with greater talent in this team, real leaders, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we merited the win.” Sunderland recreated this picture from Newcastle's cup win over the Black Cats. ‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’ Occupying seventh spot Sunderland are enjoying a outstanding return to the top flight after promotion via the play-offs last season. The Black Cats have 26 points on the board 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 had an feverish atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon. “Derbies, you have to win, it does not matter how,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team deserves much more – 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 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 result. “It was a derby and we were expected [to win] of our fans,” he added. “This win is well deserved, we were composed and the lads were superb.” “It's fantastic for the region, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a special 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 did not display Newcastle's name.