The Black Cats Stage Notorious Newcastle Squad Picture Following ‘Special’ Local Rivalry Win.
An altered coaching staff and an almost completely different team – but the club at Sunderland had a long memory.
Back in 2024, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the rivals commemorated the moment with a group photo on the pitch.
On this occasion, the roles were reversed.
Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved sufficient to deliver Sunderland a historic win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to recreate Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time.
“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who came up with the gesture.
Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that cup defeat, was the lone Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in the two games.
He disclosed how he was eager to rectify the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was so painful for the players and for the fans. We felt we had let them down, so we're delighted with this win.”
“It served as motivation. 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’
Seventh-placed Sunderland are having a superb return to the top flight after promotion via the play-offs last season.
The Black Cats have 26 points on the board 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 boasted an feverish atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.
“Derbies, you have to win, it does not matter how,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team merits greater recognition – 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 longest such run 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 performance.
“It was a derby and we were carrying the hopes of our fans,” he added. “This win is well deserved, we were mature and the lads were superb.”
“It's fantastic for the local community, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a huge game, but we have to reset quickly as we have another hard game in Brighton in one week.”
