Sunderland Mimic Notorious Newcastle Group Snapshot Following ‘Special’ Derby Triumph.

An altered coaching staff and an almost completely different team – but the club at Sunderland wasn't going to forget.

Back in 2024, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies celebrated with a group photo on the pitch.

Now, the script were reversed.

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

“Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who came up with the photograph.

Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that cup defeat, was the only Sunderland player to start in each of the games.

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

“It prepared us more for today. We came in with more quality in this team, strong personalities, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.”

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

Occupying seventh spot Sunderland are experiencing a excellent return to the top flight following promotion via the play-offs last season.

The Black Cats have 26 points in 16 games, their best return at this stage of a Premier League campaign since 2000-01.

They are still unbeaten in the league at the Stadium of Light, which boasted 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 is worthy of more respect – where we are in the league is incredible and we're working really hard.”

Sunderland are also unbeaten 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 “proud and happy” with the outcome.

“It was a derby and we were carrying the hopes of our fans,” he added. “This win is fully merited, we were composed and the lads were incredible.”

“It's fantastic for the area, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a unique game, but we have to turn the page as we have another hard game in Brighton in one week.”