Sunderland Stage Notorious Magpies Team Photo After Crucial Local Rivalry Victory.
New leadership and an almost completely different team – but someone at Sunderland had a long memory.
Back in 2024, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors commemorated the moment with a team picture on the pitch.
This time, the roles were turned on their head.
Nick Woltemade's own goal proved decisive to give Sunderland a historic win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time.
“Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who suggested the idea.
Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that cup defeat, was the sole Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in each of the games.
He explained how he was eager to rectify the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was agonizing for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're ecstatic with this win.”
“It prepared us more for today. We came in with improved ability in this team, true characters, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”
‘Derbies you have to win, it does not matter how’
Sitting in seventh Sunderland are enjoying a outstanding return to the top flight following promotion via the play-offs last season.
The Black Cats have 26 points in 16 games, their best return 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.
“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 incredible 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 “extremely pleased” with the performance.
“It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he added. “This win is fully merited, we were disciplined and the lads were incredible.”
“It's fantastic for the local community, 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.”
