Sunderland Stage Iconic Newcastle Group Snapshot After Crucial Derby Win.

New leadership and an almost completely different team – but someone at Sunderland had a long memory.

Almost 24 months prior, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the rivals marked the occasion with a full squad photograph on the pitch.

Now, the script were turned on their head.

Nick Woltemade's mistake proved decisive to deliver Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the return of the Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time.

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

Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the only Sunderland player to start in both games.

He revealed how he was determined to rectify the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was agonizing for the players and for the fans. We felt we had let them down, so we're delighted with this win.”

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

‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’

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

The Black Cats have 26 points on the board in 16 games, their highest total 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 incredible atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.

“Derbies, you have to win, it does not matter how,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team merits greater recognition – where we are in the league is amazing and we're working really hard.”

Sunderland are also without a loss 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 “extremely pleased” with the result.

“It was a derby and we were carrying the hopes of our fans,” he continued. “This win is well deserved, we were disciplined and the lads were outstanding.”

“It's positive for the local community, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a unique game, but we have to reset quickly as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.”