Sunderland Stage Famous Newcastle Group Snapshot After ‘Special’ Local Rivalry Victory.

An altered coaching staff and a vastly altered lineup – but those involved at Sunderland had a long memory.

Back in 2024, after Newcastle's thumping 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the rivals commemorated the moment with a full squad photograph on the pitch.

Now, the script were turned on their head.

Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved sufficient to hand Sunderland a long-awaited 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,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who proposed the gesture.

Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that previous encounter, was the lone Sunderland player to start in both games.

He explained how he was determined to avenge the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was so painful for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're delighted with this win.”

“It served as motivation. 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’

Seventh-placed Sunderland are experiencing 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 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.

“Derbies, you have to win, it does not matter how,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team is worthy of more respect – where we are in the league is remarkable 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 all the way back in 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 added. “This win is well deserved, we were mature and the lads were outstanding.”

“It's positive for the area, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a special game, but we have to refocus immediately as we have another difficult test in Brighton in one week.”