The Black Cats Mimic Famous Magpies Group Snapshot Following ‘Special’ Derby Win.

An altered coaching staff and a vastly altered lineup – but the club 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 visitors celebrated with a team picture on the pitch.

This time, the roles were reversed.

Nick Woltemade's own goal proved sufficient 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 recreate Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time.

“Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who suggested 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 explained how he was eager to rectify the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was agonizing for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're ecstatic with this win.”

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

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

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 26 points on the board in 16 games, their highest total 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 is worthy of more respect – 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 best-ever streak without defeat against the Magpies.

Newcastle's last league win over Sunderland was over a decade ago.

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

“It was a derby and we were expected [to win] of our fans,” he stated. “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 unique game, but we have to turn the page as we have another hard game in Brighton in one week.”