Sunderland Mimic Famous Magpies Group Snapshot After Pivotal Local Rivalry Win.

A different manager and a vastly altered lineup – but the club at Sunderland had a long memory.

Almost 24 months prior, after Newcastle's thumping 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors celebrated with a team picture on the pitch.

Now, the situation were flipped.

Nick Woltemade's mistake proved decisive to give Sunderland a long-awaited win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time.

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

Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the lone Sunderland player to start in the two games.

He revealed how he desperately wanted to avenge the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was so painful 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 improved ability in this team, real leaders, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we merited the win.”

‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’

Sitting in seventh 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 yet to lose 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 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 best-ever streak 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 result.

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

“It's positive for the area, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a special game, but we have to reset quickly as we have another difficult test in Brighton in one week.”