The Black Cats Stage Famous Magpies Team Photo Following Crucial Local Rivalry Win.
New leadership and an almost completely different team – but those involved at Sunderland wasn't going to forget.
Back in 2024, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors marked the occasion with a group photo on the pitch.
This time, the situation were flipped.
Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved enough to give Sunderland a historic win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time.
“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who proposed the gesture.
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 revealed how he desperately wanted to make amends for the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had let them down, so we're delighted with this win.”
“It prepared us more for today. We came in with more quality in this team, strong personalities, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.”
‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’
Sitting in seventh Sunderland are having a outstanding return to the top flight after promotion via the play-offs last season.
The Black Cats have 26 points on the board in 16 games, their most at this stage of a Premier League campaign since 2000-01.
They are still unbeaten in the league at the Stadium of Light, which was filled with an electric 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 best-ever streak without defeat against the Magpies.
Newcastle's last league win over Sunderland was all the way back in 2011.
Manager Regis le Bris said he was “proud and happy” with the outcome.
“It was a derby and we were carrying the hopes of our fans,” he continued. “This win is rightfully earned, we were disciplined and the lads were incredible.”
“It's fantastic for the region, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a huge game, but we have to refocus immediately as we have another difficult test in Brighton in one week.”
