The Black Cats Mimic Notorious Newcastle Squad Picture After Pivotal Derby Triumph.

An altered coaching staff and a largely changed squad – but the club at Sunderland wasn't going to forget.

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

This time, the situation were reversed.

Nick Woltemade's own goal proved decisive to hand Sunderland a historic win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to recreate Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time.

“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who came up with the photograph.

Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that previous encounter, was the only Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in both games.

He revealed how he was eager to rectify the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. 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 served as motivation. We came in with more quality 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 after promotion via the play-offs last season.

The Black Cats have a tally of 26 points in 16 games, their highest total 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 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 deserves much more – where we are in the league is incredible and we're working really hard.”

Sunderland are also undefeated 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 back in August 2011.

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

“It was a derby and we were expected [to win] of our fans,” he stated. “This win is fully merited, we were disciplined and the lads were superb.”

“It's good 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 tough challenge in Brighton in one week.”