Sunderland Recreate Famous Magpies Team Photo In the Wake of Crucial Derby Triumph.

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

Almost 24 months prior, after Newcastle's thumping 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies marked the occasion with a group photo on the pitch.

This time, the situation were flipped.

Nick Woltemade's own goal proved sufficient to give Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time.

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

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

He revealed how he was eager to make amends for the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was agonizing for the players and for the fans. We felt we had let them down, so we're delighted with this win.”

“That experience hardened us. We came in with greater talent in this team, true characters, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we earned 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 26 points on the board 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 boasted 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 incredible 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 back in August 2011.

Manager Regis le Bris said he was “proud and happy” with the performance.

“It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he stated. “This win is rightfully earned, we were mature and the lads were outstanding.”

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