Sunderland Recreate Notorious Newcastle Squad Picture Following ‘Special’ Local Rivalry Win.
A different manager and a vastly altered lineup – 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 celebrated with a group photo on the pitch.
This time, the roles were turned on their head.
Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved enough to hand Sunderland a long-awaited win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's iconic snapshot at full-time.
“Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who suggested the photograph.
Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that cup defeat, was the lone Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in each of the games.
He disclosed how he desperately wanted to avenge the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're delighted with this win.”
“It served as motivation. We came in with improved ability in this team, strong personalities, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we merited the win.”
‘Derbies you have to win, it does not matter how’
Sitting in seventh Sunderland are enjoying a excellent return to the top flight after 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 had an feverish 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 incredible and we're working really hard.”
Sunderland are also undefeated in their last 10 league games against Newcastle, their longest such run without defeat against the Magpies.
Newcastle's last league win over Sunderland was back in August 2011.
Manager Regis le Bris said he was “proud and happy” with the result.
“It was a derby and we were expected [to win] of our fans,” he continued. “This win is fully merited, we were mature and the lads were incredible.”
“It's fantastic for the region, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a huge game, but we have to turn the page as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.”
