The Black Cats Stage Famous Newcastle Squad Picture Following Pivotal Derby Triumph.
A different manager and a vastly altered lineup – but those involved at Sunderland wasn't going to forget.
Almost 24 months prior, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies marked the occasion with a full squad photograph on the pitch.
On this occasion, the roles were reversed.
Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved sufficient to hand Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to stage their own version of Newcastle's iconic snapshot at full-time.
“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who proposed the gesture.
Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the sole Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in both games.
He explained how he was eager to avenge the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're delighted with this win.”
“That experience hardened us. We came in with more quality in this team, strong personalities, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”
‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’
Sitting in seventh Sunderland are having 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 was filled with 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 merits greater recognition – where we are in the league is incredible and we're working really hard.”
Sunderland are also without a loss 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 over a decade ago.
Manager Regis le Bris said he was “delighted and satisfied” with the performance.
“It was a derby and we were carrying the hopes of our fans,” he stated. “This win is well deserved, we were disciplined and the lads were incredible.”
“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 difficult test in Brighton in one week.”
