🔗 Share this article Sunderland Stage Notorious Newcastle Group Snapshot Following Crucial Local Rivalry Win. The team gathered for a celebratory photograph to celebrate their success over their rivals. A different manager and a largely changed squad – but the club at Sunderland had a long memory. Almost 24 months prior, after Newcastle's thumping 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors celebrated with a group photo on the pitch. Now, the situation were flipped. Nick Woltemade's own goal proved decisive to deliver Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to stage their own version of Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time. “Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” remarked 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 previous encounter, was the sole Sunderland player to start in the two games. He explained how he was eager to avenge the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had let them down, so we're delighted with this win.” “That experience hardened us. We came in with more quality in this team, strong personalities, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.” Sunderland deliberately echoed this picture from Newcastle's previous triumph over the Black Cats. ‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’ Seventh-placed Sunderland are enjoying a superb return to the top flight post promotion via the play-offs last season. The Black Cats have a tally of 26 points in 16 games, their best return at this stage of a Premier League campaign since 2000-01. They are undefeated in the league at the Stadium of Light, which boasted an feverish atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon. “These games are all about the victory, by hook or by crook,” 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 undefeated 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 all the way back in 2011. Manager Regis le Bris said he was “extremely pleased” with the performance. “It was a derby and we were carrying the hopes of our fans,” he continued. “This win is fully merited, we were composed and the lads were outstanding.” “It's fantastic for the area, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a huge game, but we have to reset quickly as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.” The Sunderland scoreboard at Stadium of Light chose not to show Newcastle's name.
The team gathered for a celebratory photograph to celebrate their success over their rivals. A different manager and a largely changed squad – but the club at Sunderland had a long memory. Almost 24 months prior, after Newcastle's thumping 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors celebrated with a group photo on the pitch. Now, the situation were flipped. Nick Woltemade's own goal proved decisive to deliver Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to stage their own version of Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time. “Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” remarked 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 previous encounter, was the sole Sunderland player to start in the two games. He explained how he was eager to avenge the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had let them down, so we're delighted with this win.” “That experience hardened us. We came in with more quality in this team, strong personalities, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.” Sunderland deliberately echoed this picture from Newcastle's previous triumph over the Black Cats. ‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’ Seventh-placed Sunderland are enjoying a superb return to the top flight post promotion via the play-offs last season. The Black Cats have a tally of 26 points in 16 games, their best return at this stage of a Premier League campaign since 2000-01. They are undefeated in the league at the Stadium of Light, which boasted an feverish atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon. “These games are all about the victory, by hook or by crook,” 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 undefeated 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 all the way back in 2011. Manager Regis le Bris said he was “extremely pleased” with the performance. “It was a derby and we were carrying the hopes of our fans,” he continued. “This win is fully merited, we were composed and the lads were outstanding.” “It's fantastic for the area, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a huge game, but we have to reset quickly as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.” The Sunderland scoreboard at Stadium of Light chose not to show Newcastle's name.