The Black Cats Recreate Notorious Newcastle Team Photo In the Wake of Crucial Local Rivalry Triumph.
A different manager 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 visitors commemorated the moment with a team picture on the pitch.
This time, the roles were flipped.
Nick Woltemade's own goal proved decisive to hand 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 celebratory snapshot at full-time.
“Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who came up with the idea.
Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that previous encounter, was the lone Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in the two games.
He explained how he desperately wanted to rectify the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was agonizing for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're ecstatic 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 earned the win.”
‘Derbies you have to win, it does not matter how’
Sitting in seventh Sunderland are enjoying a excellent return to the top flight following 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 yet to lose in the league at the Stadium of Light, which had 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 is worthy of more respect – where we are in the league is amazing 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 outcome.
“It was a derby and we were carrying the hopes of our fans,” he added. “This win is well deserved, we were disciplined and the lads were incredible.”
“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 tough challenge in Brighton in one week.”
