Sunderland Recreate Iconic Magpies Group Snapshot Following Pivotal Derby Win.

An altered coaching staff and a largely changed squad – but the club at Sunderland remembered vividly.

Almost 24 months prior, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors commemorated the moment with a group photo on the pitch.

On this occasion, the situation were flipped.

Nick Woltemade's own goal proved decisive to give Sunderland a historic win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to recreate Newcastle's iconic snapshot at full-time.

“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned 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 feature from the beginning in the two games.

He explained how he desperately wanted to avenge the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're delighted with this win.”

“It served as motivation. We came in with more quality in this team, true characters, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we merited the win.”

‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’

Occupying seventh spot Sunderland are experiencing a superb 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 highest total 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 feverish 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 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 “delighted and satisfied” with the outcome.

“It was a derby and we were carrying the hopes of our fans,” he added. “This win is rightfully earned, we were composed and the lads were outstanding.”

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