Sunderland Mimic Iconic Newcastle Group Snapshot In the Wake of Pivotal Local Rivalry Triumph.

An altered coaching staff and a largely changed squad – but someone at Sunderland had a long memory.

Almost 24 months prior, after Newcastle's thumping 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies celebrated with a full squad photograph on the pitch.

On this occasion, the script were flipped.

Nick Woltemade's mistake proved enough to deliver Sunderland a long-awaited win over their rivals in the return of the Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time.

“Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who suggested the photograph.

Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the sole Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in both games.

He explained how he desperately wanted to make amends for the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. 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, real leaders, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”

‘Derbies you have to win, it does not matter how’

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

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

They are undefeated in the league at the Stadium of Light, which boasted an feverish 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 without a loss 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 all the way back in 2011.

Manager Regis le Bris said he was “proud and happy” with the outcome.

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

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