Sunderland Stage Famous Magpies Team Photo After Pivotal Local Rivalry Win.
An altered coaching staff and an almost completely different team – but the club at Sunderland wasn't going to forget.
Back in 2024, after Newcastle's thumping 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies commemorated the moment with a team picture on the pitch.
This time, the script were turned on their head.
Nick Woltemade's own goal proved sufficient to give Sunderland a historic win over their rivals in the return of the 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 asked about who suggested the photograph.
Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that cup defeat, was the sole Sunderland player to start in both games.
He revealed how he was determined 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.”
“It prepared us more for today. We came in with improved ability in this team, true characters, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”
‘Derbies you have to win, it does not matter how’
Sitting in seventh Sunderland are having a outstanding return to the top flight after promotion via the play-offs last season.
The Black Cats have 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 feverish atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.
“Derbies, you have to win, it does not matter how,” 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 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 performance.
“It was a derby and we were carrying the hopes of our fans,” he added. “This win is fully merited, we were composed and the lads were outstanding.”
“It's positive for the local community, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a special game, but we have to reset quickly as we have another difficult test in Brighton in one week.”
