The Black Cats Recreate Notorious Magpies Squad Picture After ‘Special’ Local Rivalry Triumph.

New leadership and an almost completely different team – but someone at Sunderland remembered vividly.

Back in 2024, after Newcastle's thumping 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors celebrated with a full squad photograph on the pitch.

This time, the script were flipped.

Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved decisive to hand Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the return of the Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to stage their own version of Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time.

“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who came up with the idea.

Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the lone Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in both games.

He revealed how he was eager to rectify the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was so painful for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're ecstatic with this win.”

“It prepared us more for today. We came in with greater talent in this team, strong personalities, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”

‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’

Sitting in seventh Sunderland are experiencing a outstanding 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 most 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 amazing and we're working really hard.”

Sunderland are also without a loss in their last 10 league games against Newcastle, their longest such run without defeat against the Magpies.

Newcastle's last league win over Sunderland was back in August 2011.

Manager Regis le Bris said he was “delighted and satisfied” with the performance.

“It was a derby and we were carrying the hopes of our fans,” he added. “This win is fully merited, we were composed and the lads were incredible.”

“It's good for the area, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a unique game, but we have to reset quickly as we have another hard game in Brighton in one week.”