The Black Cats Mimic Notorious Newcastle Group Snapshot After ‘Special’ Local Rivalry Triumph.
A different manager and a largely changed squad – 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 rivals celebrated with a full squad photograph on the pitch.
Now, the roles were flipped.
Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved enough to give Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to stage their own version of Newcastle's iconic snapshot at full-time.
“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who proposed the gesture.
Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that cup defeat, was the sole Sunderland player to start in each of the games.
He explained how he desperately wanted to rectify the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was so painful for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're overjoyed with this win.”
“It prepared us more for today. We came in with more quality in this team, true characters, we persevered, 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 outstanding return to the top flight post 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 was filled with 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 remarkable and we're working really hard.”
Sunderland are also undefeated 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 all the way back in 2011.
Manager Regis le Bris said he was “delighted and satisfied” with the outcome.
“It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he continued. “This win is fully merited, we were composed and the lads were superb.”
“It's good for the region, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a huge game, but we have to reset quickly as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.”
