Sunderland Stage Iconic Newcastle Squad Picture In the Wake of ‘Special’ Derby Triumph.

New leadership and a largely changed squad – but those involved at Sunderland wasn't going to forget.

Back in 2024, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors marked the occasion with a group photo on the pitch.

This time, the roles were reversed.

Nick Woltemade's mistake 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 mimic Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time.

“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” smiled 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 lone Sunderland player to start in both games.

He disclosed how he desperately wanted to make amends for the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was so painful for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're overjoyed with this win.”

“That experience hardened us. We came in with more quality in this team, strong personalities, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”

‘Derbies you have to win, it does not matter how’

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

The Black Cats have 26 points on the board in 16 games, their most at this stage of a Premier League campaign since 2000-01.

They are yet to lose 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 merits greater recognition – where we are in the league is remarkable 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 all the way back in 2011.

Manager Regis le Bris said he was “delighted and satisfied” with the performance.

“It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he added. “This win is fully merited, we were mature and the lads were superb.”

“It's fantastic for the region, 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.”