The Black Cats Recreate Famous Newcastle Team Photo After Crucial Local Rivalry Win.

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

Back in 2024, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies commemorated the moment with a team picture on the pitch.

On this occasion, the situation were flipped.

Nick Woltemade's mistake proved sufficient to deliver 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.

“Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who came up with the photograph.

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

He explained how he was eager to make amends for the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was so painful for the players and for the fans. We felt we had let them down, so we're overjoyed with this win.”

“It served as motivation. We came in with greater talent in this team, true characters, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.”

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

Seventh-placed Sunderland are having a superb return to the top flight after promotion via the play-offs last season.

The Black Cats have a tally of 26 points in 16 games, their most 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 electric 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 amazing 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 “proud and happy” with the performance.

“It was a derby and we were expected [to win] of our fans,” he added. “This win is rightfully earned, we were disciplined and the lads were incredible.”

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