The Black Cats Recreate Famous Magpies Team Photo Following ‘Special’ Local Rivalry Win.

A different manager and an almost completely different team – but the club at Sunderland remembered vividly.

Almost 24 months prior, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the rivals celebrated with a full squad photograph on the pitch.

Now, the situation were flipped.

Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved decisive to hand Sunderland a long-awaited win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to stage their own version of Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time.

“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who came up with the gesture.

Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the only Sunderland player to start in both games.

He revealed how he was determined to rectify the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was agonizing 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 merited the win.”

‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’

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 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 had an electric 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 amazing and we're working really hard.”

Sunderland are also unbeaten 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 “extremely pleased” with the outcome.

“It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he added. “This win is fully merited, we were mature and the lads were outstanding.”

“It's good for the region, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a huge game, but we have to turn the page as we have another hard game in Brighton in one week.”