The Black Cats Mimic Notorious Newcastle Squad Picture Following ‘Special’ Derby Triumph.

New leadership and a vastly altered lineup – but the club at Sunderland had a long memory.

Almost 24 months prior, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the rivals marked the occasion with a team picture on the pitch.

On this occasion, the roles were flipped.

Nick Woltemade's own goal proved decisive to hand 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 iconic snapshot at full-time.

“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who proposed the idea.

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

He explained how he desperately wanted to rectify the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was agonizing for the players and for the fans. We felt we had let them down, so we're overjoyed with this win.”

“That experience hardened us. We came in with more quality in this team, real leaders, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we merited the win.”

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

Seventh-placed Sunderland are experiencing a superb return to the top flight after 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 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 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 best-ever streak without defeat against the Magpies.

Newcastle's last league win over Sunderland was back in August 2011.

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

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

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