Sunderland Stage Notorious Magpies Squad Picture Following Pivotal Local Rivalry Triumph.

An altered coaching staff and a largely changed squad – but those involved 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 marked the occasion with a team picture on the pitch.

On this occasion, the script were reversed.

Nick Woltemade's own goal proved sufficient 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 iconic snapshot at full-time.

“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who came up with the gesture.

Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that previous encounter, was the sole Sunderland player to start in the two games.

He explained how he desperately wanted to make amends for 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 overjoyed with this win.”

“It served as motivation. We came in with more quality in this team, true characters, 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 superb return to the top flight following promotion via the play-offs last season.

The Black Cats have 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 had an incredible atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.

“In local rivalry matches, the result is everything, the performance secondary,” 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 unbeaten in their last 10 league games against Newcastle, their most extended period 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 outcome.

“It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he continued. “This win is rightfully earned, we were mature and the lads were incredible.”

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