Sunderland Stage Notorious Newcastle Team Photo Following ‘Special’ Local Rivalry Triumph.

A different manager and a vastly altered lineup – but someone at Sunderland wasn't going to forget.

Back in 2024, after Newcastle's thumping 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies celebrated with a team picture on the pitch.

Now, the script were reversed.

Nick Woltemade's own goal proved sufficient to give Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the return of the Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to stage their own version of Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time.

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

Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the only Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in both games.

He explained how he desperately wanted to make amends for the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was agonizing 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, true characters, 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 superb 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 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 was filled with an electric atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.

“These games are all about the victory, by hook or by crook,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team is worthy of more respect – 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 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 result.

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

“It's fantastic for the area, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a special game, but we have to refocus immediately as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.”