The Black Cats Stage Notorious Newcastle Group Snapshot After ‘Special’ Local Rivalry Triumph.

A different manager and a largely changed squad – but someone at Sunderland remembered vividly.

Back in 2024, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors commemorated the moment with a group photo on the pitch.

This time, the situation were turned on their head.

Nick Woltemade's own goal proved enough to hand Sunderland a long-awaited win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time.

“Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who came up with the photograph.

Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that cup defeat, was the sole Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in both games.

He revealed how he was eager to rectify the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're delighted with this win.”

“It prepared us more for today. We came in with greater talent 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’

Sitting in seventh Sunderland are having a excellent return to the top flight after 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 yet to lose in the league at the Stadium of Light, which boasted an electric atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.

“Derbies, you have to win, it does not matter how,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team deserves much more – where we are in the league is amazing and we're working really hard.”

Sunderland are also unbeaten 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 back in August 2011.

Manager Regis le Bris said he was “extremely pleased” with the result.

“It was a derby and we were expected [to win] of our fans,” he stated. “This win is well deserved, we were mature and the lads were incredible.”

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