Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris hailed his “incredible” players after beating Newcastle United in the Tyne-Wear Derby for the first time in a decade.Â
There was a febrile atmosphere at the Stadium of Light on Sunday afternoon as the two rivals came face to face in the Premier League after nine years apart. The Black Cats’ last win came in 2015; in the two meetings since then they drew in the league and were well beaten in the FA Cup last year.
That made this victory, decided by a freak own goal from Nick Woltemade, all the sweeter for Sunderland. Only one point separated the teams before today, but it has been stretched to four as the Mackems continue their unexpected charge for European football.
Sunderland now sit sixth in the table, sandwiched between Liverpool and Manchester United, while Newcastle, who were unbeaten in five heading into the derby, are in 12th.
Sunderland boss celebrates ‘special’ derby win over Newcastle
“Proud and happy,” Le bris told Sky Sports after the final whistle. “It was a derby and we were expected [to win] by our fans. This win is well deserved, we were mature and the lads were incredible.
“During the first half tactically it was really good, just small details about the shape, then it was a question of being more clinical in the final third. We had good control and some times were more patient.
“It was a good level of maturity, so happy for the lads and it is good for our fans.
“It’s good for the region, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a special game but we have to reset quickly as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week so let’s go again.”
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