The Black Cats Mimic Notorious Newcastle Team Photo Following ‘Special’ Local Rivalry Victory.

A different manager and an almost completely different team – but those involved at Sunderland had a long memory.

Almost 24 months prior, 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.

This time, the roles were flipped.

Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved sufficient to give Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the return of the Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to recreate Newcastle's post-match 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 2024 FA Cup tie, was the lone Sunderland player to start in the two games.

He explained how he desperately wanted 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.”

“It prepared us more for today. We came in with greater talent in this team, real leaders, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”

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

Seventh-placed Sunderland are having a superb return to the top flight post promotion via the play-offs last season.

The Black Cats have 26 points on the board 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.

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

Sunderland are also without a loss 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 all the way back in 2011.

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

“It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he continued. “This win is well deserved, we were disciplined and the lads were superb.”

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