The Black Cats Mimic Famous Newcastle Squad Picture In the Wake of Crucial Derby Win.

A different manager and a vastly altered lineup – but those involved at Sunderland wasn't going to forget.

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

Now, the roles were reversed.

Nick Woltemade's mistake proved enough to hand Sunderland a long-awaited 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.

“Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who proposed the photograph.

Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that cup defeat, was the lone Sunderland player to start in each of the games.

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

“It served as motivation. We came in with greater talent in this team, strong personalities, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we merited the win.”

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

Sitting in seventh Sunderland are experiencing a outstanding return to the top flight following 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 undefeated in the league at the Stadium of Light, which had an electric atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.

“These games are all about the victory, by hook or by crook,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team is worthy of more respect – where we are in the league is remarkable and we're working really hard.”

Sunderland are also unbeaten 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 “delighted and satisfied” with the outcome.

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

“It's positive for the area, 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.”