The Black Cats Stage Famous Newcastle Group Snapshot After Crucial Local Rivalry Victory.

An altered coaching staff and a vastly altered lineup – but someone at Sunderland had a long memory.

Back in 2024, after Newcastle's thumping 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the rivals celebrated with a group photo on the pitch.

On this occasion, the roles were flipped.

Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved decisive to deliver Sunderland a historic 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.

“Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who suggested the photograph.

Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that cup defeat, was the only Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in the two games.

He disclosed how he was determined to avenge the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're overjoyed with this win.”

“That experience hardened us. We came in with more quality in this team, true characters, we dug deep, 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 excellent 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 undefeated in the league at the Stadium of Light, which boasted 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 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 back in August 2011.

Manager Regis le Bris said he was “proud and happy” with the result.

“It was a derby and we were carrying the hopes of our fans,” he continued. “This win is well deserved, we were composed and the lads were incredible.”

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