Sunderland Mimic Iconic Newcastle Team Photo After Pivotal Local Rivalry Victory.

An altered coaching staff and an almost completely different team – but someone 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 visitors commemorated the moment with a group photo on the pitch.

On this occasion, the roles were reversed.

Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved enough 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 iconic snapshot at full-time.

“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who suggested the photograph.

Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that previous encounter, was the sole Sunderland player to start in each of the games.

He revealed how he was eager to make amends for the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're overjoyed with this win.”

“It prepared us more for today. We came in with greater talent in this team, real leaders, we stuck in there, 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 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 undefeated in the league at the Stadium of Light, which had an electric atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.

“In local rivalry matches, the result is everything, the performance secondary,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team is worthy of more respect – where we are in the league is incredible 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 back in August 2011.

Manager Regis le Bris said he was “proud and happy” with the outcome.

“It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he continued. “This win is well deserved, we were composed and the lads were superb.”

“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 difficult test in Brighton in one week.”