🔗 Share this article Sunderland Stage Iconic Magpies Group Snapshot In the Wake of Pivotal Local Rivalry Triumph. Sunderland players and staff posed for a picture to mark their success over their rivals. An altered coaching staff and a largely changed squad – but the club 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 marked the occasion with a team picture on the pitch. On this occasion, the roles 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 mimic Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time. “Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who suggested the gesture. Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that cup defeat, was the only Sunderland player to start in both games. He revealed how he was determined to rectify the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had let them down, so we're overjoyed with this win.” “It served as motivation. We came in with improved ability in this team, real leaders, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.” Sunderland recreated this picture from Newcastle's previous triumph over the Black Cats. ‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’ Sitting in seventh Sunderland are experiencing 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 still unbeaten in the league at the Stadium of Light, which boasted an incredible 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 incredible and we're working really hard.” Sunderland are also without a loss 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 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 fully merited, we were disciplined and the lads were incredible.” “It's good for the region, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a huge 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.
Sunderland players and staff posed for a picture to mark their success over their rivals. An altered coaching staff and a largely changed squad – but the club 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 marked the occasion with a team picture on the pitch. On this occasion, the roles 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 mimic Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time. “Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who suggested the gesture. Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that cup defeat, was the only Sunderland player to start in both games. He revealed how he was determined to rectify the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had let them down, so we're overjoyed with this win.” “It served as motivation. We came in with improved ability in this team, real leaders, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.” Sunderland recreated this picture from Newcastle's previous triumph over the Black Cats. ‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’ Sitting in seventh Sunderland are experiencing 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 still unbeaten in the league at the Stadium of Light, which boasted an incredible 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 incredible and we're working really hard.” Sunderland are also without a loss 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 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 fully merited, we were disciplined and the lads were incredible.” “It's good for the region, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a huge 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.