Sunderland Recreate Notorious Newcastle Team Photo Following Pivotal Derby Win.
A different manager and a largely changed squad – but the club at Sunderland remembered vividly.
Almost 24 months prior, 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.
Now, the situation were reversed.
Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved enough to deliver 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.
“Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who came up with the idea.
Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the only Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in both games.
He explained how he desperately wanted to rectify the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was so painful for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're delighted with this win.”
“That experience hardened us. We came in with greater talent in this team, real leaders, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”
‘Derbies you have to win, it does not matter how’
Seventh-placed 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 most 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 feverish atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.
“In local rivalry matches, the result is everything, the performance secondary,” 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 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 carrying the hopes of our fans,” he added. “This win is rightfully earned, we were disciplined and the lads were incredible.”
“It's fantastic for the area, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a special game, but we have to turn the page as we have another hard game in Brighton in one week.”
