Sunderland Mimic Notorious Magpies Squad Picture In the Wake of Crucial Derby Triumph.

An altered coaching staff and a largely changed squad – but someone at Sunderland had a long memory.

Back in 2024, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors commemorated the moment with a group photo on the pitch.

Now, the situation were reversed.

Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved enough to give Sunderland a historic win over their rivals in the return of the Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to recreate Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time.

“Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who proposed the gesture.

Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded 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 determined to rectify the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was agonizing for the players and for the fans. We felt we had let them down, so we're overjoyed with this win.”

“It served as motivation. We came in with improved ability in this team, strong personalities, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”

‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’

Sitting in seventh Sunderland are enjoying a excellent return to the top flight post 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 still unbeaten in the league at the Stadium of Light, which had an electric atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.

“Derbies, you have to win, it does not matter how,” 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 best-ever streak without defeat against the Magpies.

Newcastle's last league win over Sunderland was over a decade ago.

Manager Regis le Bris said he was “extremely pleased” with the performance.

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

“It's fantastic 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 difficult test in Brighton in one week.”