The Black Cats Mimic Famous Magpies Squad Picture Following ‘Special’ Derby Victory.

An altered coaching staff and an almost completely different team – but the club at Sunderland wasn't going to forget.

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

This time, the situation were turned on their head.

Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved decisive to give Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the return of the 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 questioned about who proposed the idea.

Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that previous encounter, was the lone Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in both games.

He revealed how he was determined to make amends for the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. 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 prepared us more for today. We came in with greater talent in this team, real leaders, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.”

‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’

Seventh-placed Sunderland are having a excellent 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 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 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 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 over a decade ago.

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

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

“It's positive for the area, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a unique game, but we have to reset quickly as we have another difficult test in Brighton in one week.”