The Black Cats Stage Iconic Newcastle Group Snapshot In the Wake of ‘Special’ Local Rivalry Victory.

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

Back in 2024, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors commemorated the moment with a full squad photograph on the pitch.

This time, the situation were flipped.

Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved enough to deliver Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to recreate Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time.

“Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who suggested 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 both games.

He revealed 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 ecstatic with this win.”

“It served as motivation. We came in with greater talent in this team, real leaders, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we merited the win.”

‘Derbies you have to win, it does not matter how’

Occupying seventh spot Sunderland are having 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 best return 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.

“These games are all about the victory, by hook or by crook,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team merits greater recognition – 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 “delighted and satisfied” with the result.

“It was a derby and we were expected [to win] of our fans,” he added. “This win is fully merited, we were disciplined and the lads were incredible.”

“It's fantastic for the local community, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a huge game, but we have to turn the page as we have another difficult test in Brighton in one week.”