The Black Cats Mimic Iconic Newcastle Team Photo After Crucial Local Rivalry Triumph.

An altered coaching staff and an almost completely different team – but the club 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 visitors celebrated with a group photo on the pitch.

This time, the script were turned on their head.

Nick Woltemade's own goal proved enough to deliver Sunderland a historic win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to recreate Newcastle's iconic snapshot at full-time.

“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who suggested the gesture.

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

He disclosed how he desperately wanted to avenge 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 delighted with this win.”

“That experience hardened us. We came in with greater talent in this team, true characters, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”

‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’

Seventh-placed Sunderland are enjoying 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 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 was filled with an incredible atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.

“In local rivalry matches, the result is everything, the performance secondary,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team is worthy of more respect – 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 back in August 2011.

Manager Regis le Bris said he was “extremely pleased” with the outcome.

“It was a derby and we were carrying the hopes of our fans,” he stated. “This win is rightfully earned, we were disciplined and the lads were outstanding.”

“It's good 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.”