Sunderland Recreate Famous Newcastle Team Photo After Pivotal Derby Triumph.
A different manager and an almost completely different team – but the club at Sunderland had a long memory.
Back in 2024, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors celebrated with a full squad photograph on the pitch.
Now, the situation were flipped.
Nick Woltemade's own goal proved enough to deliver Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's iconic snapshot at full-time.
“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who came up with the photograph.
Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that previous encounter, was the only Sunderland player to start in the two games.
He disclosed how he was determined to make amends for the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was so painful for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're delighted with this win.”
“It served as motivation. We came in with improved ability in this team, true characters, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”
‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’
Seventh-placed Sunderland are experiencing 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 most 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 electric 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 remarkable and we're working really hard.”
Sunderland are also unbeaten 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 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 expected [to win] of our fans,” he stated. “This win is rightfully earned, we were mature and the lads were incredible.”
“It's good for the local community, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a special game, but we have to refocus immediately as we have another hard game in Brighton in one week.”
