The Black Cats Stage Famous Magpies Squad Picture In the Wake of ‘Special’ Local Rivalry Triumph.

New leadership and a vastly altered lineup – but those involved at Sunderland wasn't going to forget.

Nearly two years ago, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies commemorated the moment with a full squad photograph on the pitch.

Now, the roles were reversed.

Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved enough to give Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to stage their own version of Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time.

“Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who proposed the photograph.

Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the lone Sunderland player to start in the two games.

He revealed how he was eager to make amends for the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was so painful for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're delighted with this win.”

“It prepared us more for today. We came in with more quality in this team, true characters, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we merited the win.”

‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’

Seventh-placed Sunderland are having a outstanding return to the top flight following promotion via the play-offs last season.

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

They are still unbeaten in the league at the Stadium of Light, which had an feverish atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.

“In local rivalry matches, the result is everything, the performance secondary,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team merits greater recognition – 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 over a decade ago.

Manager Regis le Bris said he was “proud and happy” with the result.

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

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