Sunderland Mimic Notorious Newcastle Group Snapshot In the Wake of Pivotal Local Rivalry Win.

New leadership and a vastly altered lineup – but someone at Sunderland had a long memory.

Almost 24 months prior, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the rivals commemorated the moment with a team picture on the pitch.

This time, the situation were turned on their head.

Nick Woltemade's mistake proved enough to hand Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the return of the Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to recreate Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time.

“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who proposed the gesture.

Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the only Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in the two games.

He revealed how he was determined to avenge the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was agonizing for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're delighted with this win.”

“It prepared us more for today. We came in with greater talent in this team, real leaders, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we merited the win.”

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

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

The Black Cats have 26 points on the board in 16 games, their highest total 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 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 deserves much more – 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 best-ever streak without defeat against the Magpies.

Newcastle's last league win over Sunderland was over a decade ago.

Manager Regis le Bris said he was “delighted and satisfied” with the result.

“It was a derby and we were carrying the hopes of our fans,” he stated. “This win is rightfully earned, we were mature and the lads were incredible.”

“It's fantastic 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.”