The Black Cats Recreate Famous Magpies Squad Picture After Pivotal Derby Triumph.

A different manager and an almost completely different team – but someone at Sunderland wasn't going to forget.

Back in 2024, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies celebrated with a team picture on the pitch.

On this occasion, the script were flipped.

Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved decisive to give Sunderland a historic win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to recreate Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time.

“Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” remarked 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 start in both games.

He explained how he was determined to make amends for the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was so painful for the players and for the fans. We felt we had let them down, so we're ecstatic with this win.”

“That experience hardened us. We came in with greater talent in this team, true characters, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.”

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

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

The Black Cats have a tally of 26 points in 16 games, their most at this stage of a Premier League campaign since 2000-01.

They are still unbeaten in the league at the Stadium of Light, which was filled with an electric 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 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 “delighted and satisfied” with the performance.

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

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