The Black Cats Stage Famous Newcastle Group Snapshot After ‘Special’ Local Rivalry Victory.

A different manager and a vastly altered lineup – but those involved 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 Geordies celebrated with a team picture on the pitch.

On this occasion, the script 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 stage their own version of Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time.

“Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who suggested the idea.

Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the sole Sunderland player to start in the two games.

He disclosed how he was determined to make amends for 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.”

“That experience hardened us. We came in with more quality in this team, true characters, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”

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

Occupying seventh spot Sunderland are experiencing a superb return to the top flight after promotion via the play-offs last season.

The Black Cats have a tally of 26 points in 16 games, their most 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 feverish atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.

“In local rivalry matches, the result is everything, the performance secondary,” 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 best-ever streak 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 “extremely pleased” with the result.

“It was a derby and we were expected [to win] of our fans,” he stated. “This win is rightfully earned, we were composed and the lads were outstanding.”

“It's fantastic for the area, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a unique game, but we have to turn the page as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.”