Sunderland Mimic Famous Magpies Group Snapshot After Pivotal Derby Triumph.
An altered coaching staff and an almost completely different team – but someone at Sunderland had a long memory.
Nearly two years ago, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the rivals marked the occasion with a team picture on the pitch.
This time, the situation were flipped.
Nick Woltemade's mistake proved decisive to hand Sunderland a memorable 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.
“Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who suggested the photograph.
Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the sole Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in each of the games.
He disclosed how he was eager to rectify the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're overjoyed with this win.”
“It served as motivation. We came in with greater talent in this team, real leaders, we stuck in there, 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 excellent return to the top flight following promotion via the play-offs last season.
The Black Cats have 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 had an incredible 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 incredible and we're working really hard.”
Sunderland are also undefeated 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 over a decade ago.
Manager Regis le Bris said he was “proud and happy” with the performance.
“It was a derby and we were carrying the hopes of our fans,” he continued. “This win is fully merited, we were mature and the lads were outstanding.”
“It's positive for the area, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a special game, but we have to reset quickly as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.”
