Sunderland Mimic Notorious Magpies Group Snapshot After ‘Special’ Derby Triumph.

A different manager and a largely changed squad – but those involved at Sunderland wasn't going to forget.

Almost 24 months prior, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies commemorated the moment with a full squad photograph on the pitch.

This time, the situation were reversed.

Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved sufficient 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.

“Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who suggested the gesture.

Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the only Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in each of the games.

He explained 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 disappointed them, so we're ecstatic with this win.”

“It served as motivation. We came in with greater talent in this team, true characters, we persevered, 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 outstanding return to the top flight following promotion via the play-offs last season.

The Black Cats have 26 points on the board 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 had 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 incredible and we're working really hard.”

Sunderland are also without a loss 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 back in August 2011.

Manager Regis le Bris said he was “extremely pleased” with the outcome.

“It was a derby and we were carrying the hopes of our fans,” he continued. “This win is well deserved, we were mature and the lads were incredible.”

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