The Black Cats Recreate Famous Newcastle Squad Picture In the Wake of Pivotal Derby Win.

A different manager and a vastly altered lineup – but someone at Sunderland remembered vividly.

Back in 2024, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the rivals commemorated the moment with a group photo on the pitch.

Now, the situation were turned on their head.

Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved sufficient to hand 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 celebratory snapshot at full-time.

“Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who proposed the photograph.

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

He revealed how he was determined to avenge the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was so painful for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're delighted with this win.”

“It prepared us more for today. We came in with improved ability in this team, strong personalities, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we merited the win.”

‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’

Occupying seventh spot Sunderland are having a excellent 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 best return at this stage of a Premier League campaign since 2000-01.

They are yet to lose in the league at the Stadium of Light, which had an electric 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 remarkable and we're working really hard.”

Sunderland are also without a loss in their last 10 league games against Newcastle, their most extended period 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 performance.

“It was a derby and we were expected [to win] of our fans,” he added. “This win is well deserved, we were mature and the lads were outstanding.”

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