🔗 Share this article The Black Cats Stage Famous Magpies Team Photo In the Wake of Pivotal Derby Triumph. The team gathered for a celebratory photograph to celebrate their victory over their local foes. A different manager and a largely changed squad – but someone 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 Geordies celebrated with a full squad photograph on the pitch. Now, the script were reversed. Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved sufficient to give Sunderland a long-awaited 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,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who suggested the photograph. Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that cup defeat, was the lone Sunderland player to start in the two games. He disclosed how he was determined to make amends for the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was agonizing for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're ecstatic with this win.” “It served as motivation. We came in with improved ability in this team, real leaders, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.” Sunderland deliberately echoed this picture from Newcastle's cup win over the Black Cats. ‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’ Occupying seventh spot Sunderland are enjoying a superb 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 most at this stage of a Premier League campaign since 2000-01. They are still unbeaten 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 incredible and we're working really hard.” Sunderland are also undefeated 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 carrying the hopes of our fans,” he added. “This win is rightfully earned, we were composed 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 turn the page as we have another difficult test in Brighton in one week.” The Sunderland scoreboard at Stadium of Light chose not to show Newcastle's name.
The team gathered for a celebratory photograph to celebrate their victory over their local foes. A different manager and a largely changed squad – but someone 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 Geordies celebrated with a full squad photograph on the pitch. Now, the script were reversed. Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved sufficient to give Sunderland a long-awaited 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,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who suggested the photograph. Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that cup defeat, was the lone Sunderland player to start in the two games. He disclosed how he was determined to make amends for the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was agonizing for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're ecstatic with this win.” “It served as motivation. We came in with improved ability in this team, real leaders, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.” Sunderland deliberately echoed this picture from Newcastle's cup win over the Black Cats. ‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’ Occupying seventh spot Sunderland are enjoying a superb 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 most at this stage of a Premier League campaign since 2000-01. They are still unbeaten 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 incredible and we're working really hard.” Sunderland are also undefeated 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 carrying the hopes of our fans,” he added. “This win is rightfully earned, we were composed 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 turn the page as we have another difficult test in Brighton in one week.” The Sunderland scoreboard at Stadium of Light chose not to show Newcastle's name.