Sunderland Stage Famous Newcastle Squad Picture Following Pivotal Derby Win.
New leadership and an almost completely different team – but someone at Sunderland remembered vividly.
Back in 2024, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies commemorated the moment with a team picture on the pitch.
On this occasion, the situation were flipped.
Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved decisive to hand Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to stage their own version of Newcastle's iconic snapshot at full-time.
“Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who proposed the gesture.
Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the lone Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in both games.
He explained how he was determined 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 let them down, so we're overjoyed with this win.”
“It prepared us more for today. We came in with more quality in this team, true characters, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.”
‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’
Seventh-placed Sunderland are having a excellent return to the top flight following 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 undefeated in the league at the Stadium of Light, which was filled with an incredible 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 remarkable 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 back in August 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 disciplined and the lads were outstanding.”
“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 tough challenge in Brighton in one week.”
