The Black Cats Recreate Notorious Newcastle Group Snapshot In the Wake of Crucial Derby Triumph.

New leadership and a largely changed squad – but those involved at Sunderland remembered vividly.

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

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

Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved enough to give Sunderland a long-awaited win over their rivals in the first 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 suggested the idea.

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

He disclosed how he desperately wanted to rectify the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was agonizing for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're overjoyed with this win.”

“That experience hardened us. We came in with greater talent 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’

Seventh-placed Sunderland are enjoying a excellent 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 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 was filled with an feverish atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.

“Derbies, you have to win, it does not matter how,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team merits greater recognition – 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 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 outcome.

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

“It's positive for the region, 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.”