The Black Cats Mimic Iconic Newcastle Group Snapshot In the Wake of Crucial Derby Victory.

A different manager and a largely changed squad – but the club at Sunderland had a long memory.

Back in 2024, after Newcastle's thumping 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the rivals marked the occasion with a team picture on the pitch.

This time, the script were reversed.

Nick Woltemade's own goal proved sufficient to deliver Sunderland a historic win over their rivals in the return of the Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time.

“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who came up with the gesture.

Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the sole Sunderland player to start in each of the games.

He disclosed how he was determined to make amends for the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're ecstatic with this win.”

“It served as motivation. We came in with improved ability in this team, true characters, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”

‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’

Sitting in seventh Sunderland are having 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 was filled with an incredible 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 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 “proud and happy” with the result.

“It was a derby and we were carrying the hopes of our fans,” he added. “This win is rightfully earned, we were mature and the lads were superb.”

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