The Black Cats Recreate Famous Magpies Team Photo Following ‘Special’ Local Rivalry Win.
An altered coaching staff and a vastly altered lineup – but someone at Sunderland wasn't going to forget.
Back in 2024, after a dominant Newcastle performance 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 roles were reversed.
Nick Woltemade's mistake proved decisive to hand 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 iconic snapshot at full-time.
“Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who suggested the photograph.
Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that previous encounter, was the sole Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in each of the games.
He explained how he desperately wanted to avenge the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. 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 improved ability in this team, strong personalities, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”
‘Derbies you have to win, it does not matter how’
Seventh-placed Sunderland are having a outstanding return to the top flight following 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 undefeated in the league at the Stadium of Light, which had an incredible atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.
“In local rivalry matches, the result is everything, the performance secondary,” 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 without a loss 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 all the way back in 2011.
Manager Regis le Bris said he was “delighted and satisfied” with the result.
“It was a derby and we were carrying the hopes of our fans,” he added. “This win is fully merited, we were disciplined and the lads were incredible.”
“It's fantastic for the area, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a unique game, but we have to refocus immediately as we have another difficult test in Brighton in one week.”
