Sunderland Recreate Iconic Magpies Group Snapshot Following Crucial Local Rivalry Win.

A different manager and an almost completely different team – but someone at Sunderland wasn't going to forget.

Almost 24 months prior, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors celebrated with a group photo on the pitch.

On this occasion, the situation were reversed.

Nick Woltemade's own goal proved sufficient to hand Sunderland a long-awaited win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to stage their own version of Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time.

“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned 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 start in both games.

He explained how he desperately wanted to make amends for the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was heartbreaking 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 greater talent in this team, true characters, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we merited the win.”

‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’

Sitting in seventh Sunderland are experiencing 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 boasted an electric 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 amazing and we're working really hard.”

Sunderland are also without a loss 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 all the way back in 2011.

Manager Regis le Bris said he was “delighted and satisfied” with the performance.

“It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he continued. “This win is rightfully earned, we were composed and the lads were incredible.”

“It's good 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.”