The Black Cats Recreate Iconic Magpies Squad Picture Following Pivotal Derby Triumph.

New leadership and an almost completely different team – but someone at Sunderland had a long memory.

Nearly two years ago, after Newcastle's thumping 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the rivals celebrated with a group photo on the pitch.

On this occasion, the situation were reversed.

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

“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who came up with the gesture.

Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the only Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in each of the games.

He revealed how he was eager to avenge 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.”

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

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

Occupying seventh spot Sunderland are having a outstanding 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 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 boasted an electric atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.

“These games are all about the victory, by hook or by crook,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team merits greater recognition – where we are in the league is amazing 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 all the way back in 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 added. “This win is well deserved, we were mature and the lads were superb.”

“It's good for the local community, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a huge game, but we have to turn the page as we have another difficult test in Brighton in one week.”