Sunderland Recreate Iconic Magpies Squad Picture After Pivotal Derby Triumph.

An altered coaching staff and a vastly altered lineup – but someone at Sunderland wasn't going to forget.

Nearly two years ago, after Newcastle's thumping 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors commemorated the moment with a group photo on the pitch.

Now, the script were turned on their head.

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

“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who came up with the idea.

Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the lone Sunderland player to start in each of the games.

He explained how he desperately wanted to avenge the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're overjoyed with this win.”

“It served as motivation. We came in with more quality in this team, true characters, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we merited the win.”

‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’

Sitting in seventh Sunderland are experiencing 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 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 boasted 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 is worthy of more respect – where we are in the league is amazing 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 all the way back in 2011.

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

“It was a derby and we were expected [to win] of our fans,” he stated. “This win is rightfully earned, we were composed and the lads were superb.”

“It's fantastic for the region, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a special game, but we have to turn the page as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.”