The Black Cats Recreate Famous Magpies Squad Picture Following Crucial Derby Triumph.
A different manager and a largely changed squad – but the club at Sunderland remembered vividly.
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 situation were reversed.
Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved enough to deliver 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.
“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who came up with the photograph.
Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that cup defeat, was the sole Sunderland player to start in each of the games.
He revealed how he was determined to rectify the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was so painful for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're ecstatic with this win.”
“It served as motivation. We came in with improved ability in this team, real leaders, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.”
‘Derbies you have to win, it does not matter how’
Occupying seventh spot Sunderland are enjoying a outstanding 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 undefeated in the league at the Stadium of Light, which had an electric atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.
“In local rivalry matches, the result is everything, the performance secondary,” 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 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 “extremely pleased” with the performance.
“It was a derby and we were expected [to win] of our fans,” he stated. “This win is fully merited, we were mature and the lads were incredible.”
“It's good for the local community, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a unique game, but we have to reset quickly as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.”
