Sunderland Mimic Notorious Magpies Squad Picture After Crucial Local Rivalry Victory.

A different manager and a vastly altered lineup – but someone 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 commemorated the moment with a team picture on the pitch.

On this occasion, the script were turned on their head.

Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved decisive to deliver 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,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who proposed the idea.

Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that cup defeat, 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: “It's indescribable. It was agonizing for the players and for the fans. We felt we had let them down, so we're overjoyed with this win.”

“It served as motivation. We came in with improved ability in this team, real leaders, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.”

‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’

Occupying seventh spot Sunderland are having a outstanding return to the top flight following promotion via the play-offs last season.

The Black Cats have 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 boasted an feverish atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.

“These games are all about the victory, by hook or by crook,” 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 unbeaten 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 over a decade ago.

Manager Regis le Bris said he was “extremely pleased” with the result.

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

“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 difficult test in Brighton in one week.”