The Black Cats Stage Famous Magpies Squad Picture Following ‘Special’ Derby Victory.
An altered coaching staff and a largely changed squad – but someone at Sunderland remembered vividly.
Back in 2024, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the rivals marked the occasion with a full squad photograph on the pitch.
This time, the script were reversed.
Nick Woltemade's own goal proved sufficient to give Sunderland a long-awaited win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to recreate Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time.
“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who proposed the idea.
Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that cup defeat, was the only Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in both games.
He explained how he desperately wanted to rectify the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was so painful for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're overjoyed with this win.”
“That experience hardened us. We came in with greater talent in this team, real leaders, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we merited the win.”
‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’
Occupying seventh spot Sunderland are enjoying a excellent return to the top flight following 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 was filled with an incredible atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.
“In local rivalry matches, the result is everything, the performance secondary,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team deserves much more – where we are in the league is remarkable 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 carrying the hopes of our fans,” he added. “This win is well deserved, we were mature 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 hard game in Brighton in one week.”
