Sunderland Stage Notorious Newcastle Squad Picture In the Wake of Crucial Local Rivalry Win.

New leadership and an almost completely different team – but the club at Sunderland wasn't going to forget.

Back in 2024, after Newcastle's thumping 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies marked the occasion with a team picture on the pitch.

This time, the roles were reversed.

Nick Woltemade's mistake 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 mimic Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time.

“Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who suggested the photograph.

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

He disclosed how he was determined to make amends for the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was agonizing for the players and for the fans. We felt we had let them down, so we're delighted with this win.”

“It served as motivation. We came in with improved ability in this team, strong personalities, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we merited the win.”

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

Sitting in seventh Sunderland are experiencing a outstanding 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.

“These games are all about the victory, by hook or by crook,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team merits greater recognition – where we are in the league is incredible and we're working really hard.”

Sunderland are also undefeated 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 back in August 2011.

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

“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 huge game, but we have to turn the page as we have another hard game in Brighton in one week.”