The Black Cats Mimic Notorious Magpies Team Photo In the Wake of Crucial Derby Triumph.

An altered coaching staff and an almost completely different team – but someone at Sunderland had a long memory.

Back in 2024, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies marked the occasion with a group photo on the pitch.

This time, the roles were reversed.

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

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

Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that cup defeat, was the only Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in each of the games.

He disclosed how he was eager to make amends for the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had let them down, so we're delighted with this win.”

“That experience hardened us. We came in with greater talent in this team, true characters, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we merited the win.”

‘Derbies you have to win, it does not matter how’

Sitting in seventh Sunderland are experiencing 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 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 boasted an incredible atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.

“Derbies, you have to win, it does not matter how,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team deserves much more – 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 over a decade ago.

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

“It was a derby and we were carrying the hopes of our fans,” he continued. “This win is well deserved, we were mature and the lads were superb.”

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