Eddie Howe & Regis Le Bris react after Sunderland brutally mock Newcastle United minutes after derby win
Sunderland got their Tyne-Wear derby revenge over Newcastle United following Sunday’s 1-0 win at the Stadium of Light.
Nick Woltemade’s own goal was the difference between the sides as Newcastle United were beaten away at Sunderland.
The hotly anticipated derby match unfolded into a game of few clear-cut chances or quality with Woltemade’s header a minute into the second half giving Sunderland a memorable three points from an otherwise forgettable encounter.
Sunderland were quick to make the most of the win as they continued their unbeaten start to the league season at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland get revenge on Newcastle United with post-match picture
Sunderland’s win comes almost two years after Newcastle’s 3-0 victory at the Stadium of Light in the FA Cup.
And the aftermath of that match had clearly been playing on The Black Cats’ minds as, shortly after the full-time whistle, Sunderland’s players and staff gathered in front of the Roker End to celebrate with their supporters before then posing for a picture to celebrate their victory.
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The photo mocked Newcastle United for their celebratory photo following their last derby clash. On that day, Howe’s side strolled to a 3-0 win in the FA Cup and, under the instructions of Jason Tindall post-match, posed for a photo in-front of the travelling fans.
Newcastle United’s dressing room photos, pictures they post after every victory on social media, have often been derided by opposition supporters. Their on-pitch photo in January 2024 has been displayed in houses around the north east ever since, so it’s hardly surprising that Sunderland, fresh from their first derby win in a decade, would want to repeat the moment after getting their revenge on their fierce rivals.
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Managers react to Sunderland photo
When asked about Sunderland’s on-field team photo after the match, Howe was quite dismissive in his response as he said: “It’s very hard. There are winners and losers, and today we were on the losing side. You feel every emotion. You have to show respect, take it in, learn from it, and come back stronger.”
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris added in his post-match press conference: “You always need to stay smart and respectful. It’s a game, and you have to focus on your habits. But we have players who have been here a long time, and they know how important this derby is — especially after losing the previous one.
“The key was staying composed and enjoying the challenge together.”
Next up for Sunderland is a trip to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday as they look to continue their positive first half of the Premier League season. Before that, Newcastle have to quickly dust themselves off with the hope of bouncing back in the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Fulham on Wednesday evening at St James’ Park (8:15pm kick-off).
“[The defeat] won’t define the season,” Howe said. “If anything, we want to define it positively by how we respond.
“It’s been a stop-start season for us at times and we haven’t quite found the momentum we want. We’ve got a huge game on Wednesday and then the Christmas period, which is always important.