The Black Cats Recreate Famous Magpies Team Photo After Crucial Local Rivalry Triumph.

An altered coaching staff and a vastly altered lineup – but the club at Sunderland remembered vividly.

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

Now, the situation were reversed.

Nick Woltemade's mistake proved decisive to give Sunderland a long-awaited win over their rivals in the first 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 asked about who came up with the idea.

Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that cup defeat, was the sole Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in each of the games.

He revealed how he desperately wanted to rectify the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was so painful for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're overjoyed with this win.”

“It prepared us more for today. We came in with greater talent in this team, strong personalities, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we merited the win.”

‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’

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

The Black Cats have 26 points on the board in 16 games, their highest total at this stage of a Premier League campaign since 2000-01.

They are undefeated in the league at the Stadium of Light, which had an incredible atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.

“Derbies, you have to win, it does not matter how,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team is worthy of more respect – where we are in the league is remarkable and we're working really hard.”

Sunderland are also undefeated 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 back in August 2011.

Manager Regis le Bris said he was “delighted and satisfied” with the result.

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

“It's good for the local community, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a unique game, but we have to reset quickly as we have another difficult test in Brighton in one week.”