Sunderland Mimic Iconic Magpies Squad Picture In the Wake of Crucial Derby Victory.

An altered coaching staff and a vastly altered lineup – but the club 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 visitors marked the occasion with a group photo on the pitch.

On this occasion, the situation were turned on their head.

Nick Woltemade's mistake proved decisive to deliver Sunderland a historic 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 iconic snapshot at full-time.

“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who suggested the photograph.

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

He revealed how he was determined to rectify the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're delighted with this win.”

“That experience hardened us. We came in with greater talent in this team, real leaders, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”

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

Seventh-placed Sunderland are experiencing a outstanding 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 was filled with an incredible atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.

“These games are all about the victory, by hook or by crook,” 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 “proud and happy” 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 good for the local community, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a special game, but we have to reset quickly as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.”