Sunderland Mimic Famous Magpies Team Photo Following Crucial Local Rivalry Win.

New leadership and a vastly altered lineup – but the club at Sunderland remembered vividly.

Back in 2024, after Newcastle's thumping 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the rivals celebrated with a team picture on the pitch.

On this occasion, the roles were turned on their head.

Nick Woltemade's mistake proved decisive to give Sunderland a historic win over their rivals in the return of the 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 gesture.

Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that cup defeat, was the sole Sunderland player to start in both games.

He explained how he desperately wanted to rectify the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was so painful for the players and for the fans. We felt we had let them down, 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 deserved the win.”

‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’

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

The Black Cats have a tally of 26 points in 16 games, their best return 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 boasted an feverish atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.

“Derbies, you have to win, it does not matter how,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team is worthy of more respect – 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 “proud and happy” with the result.

“It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he stated. “This win is rightfully earned, we were disciplined and the lads were outstanding.”

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