Sunderland Stage Notorious Magpies Squad Picture Following ‘Special’ Local Rivalry Triumph.
A different manager and an almost completely different team – but those involved at Sunderland had a long memory.
Back in 2024, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors celebrated with a full squad photograph on the pitch.
On this occasion, the situation were reversed.
Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved enough to deliver Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to recreate Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time.
“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who proposed the photograph.
Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that previous encounter, was the only Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in the two games.
He disclosed how he was eager to make amends for the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're ecstatic with this win.”
“That experience hardened us. We came in with more quality in this team, real leaders, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”
‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’
Seventh-placed Sunderland are experiencing a outstanding 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 yet to lose in the league at the Stadium of Light, which boasted an incredible atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.
“These games are all about the victory, by hook or by crook,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team deserves much more – where we are in the league is amazing 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 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 fully merited, we were disciplined and the lads were outstanding.”
“It's good for the local community, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a huge game, but we have to reset quickly as we have another hard game in Brighton in one week.”
