Sunderland Stage Iconic Newcastle Group Snapshot Following ‘Special’ Derby Victory.

An altered coaching staff and an almost completely different team – but someone at Sunderland remembered vividly.

Back in 2024, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the rivals marked the occasion with a team picture on the pitch.

This time, the situation were flipped.

Nick Woltemade's mistake proved enough to hand Sunderland a historic win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to recreate Newcastle's iconic snapshot at full-time.

“Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who came up with the photograph.

Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that cup defeat, was the sole Sunderland player to start in both games.

He disclosed how he desperately wanted to rectify the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was agonizing for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're delighted with this win.”

“It prepared us more for today. We came in with improved ability in this team, true characters, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”

‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’

Occupying seventh spot Sunderland are having a excellent return to the top flight following promotion via the play-offs last season.

The Black Cats have 26 points in 16 games, their best return at this stage of a Premier League campaign since 2000-01.

They are yet to lose in the league at the Stadium of Light, which was filled with an incredible atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.

“These games are all about the victory, by hook or by crook,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team is worthy of more respect – where we are in the league is amazing and we're working really hard.”

Sunderland are also undefeated 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 over a decade ago.

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

“It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he continued. “This win is fully merited, we were disciplined and the lads were outstanding.”

“It's good for the area, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a special game, but we have to refocus immediately as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.”