The Black Cats Stage Notorious Newcastle Team Photo In the Wake of ‘Special’ Derby Victory.
New leadership and a vastly altered lineup – but someone at Sunderland remembered vividly.
Back in 2024, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the rivals marked the occasion with a team picture on the pitch.
On this occasion, the roles were flipped.
Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved decisive 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 recreate Newcastle's iconic snapshot at full-time.
“Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who suggested the photograph.
Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the lone Sunderland player to start in each of the games.
He explained how he was determined to avenge the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was agonizing for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're delighted with this win.”
“It served as motivation. We came in with greater talent in this team, true characters, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”
‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’
Seventh-placed Sunderland are having a outstanding return to the top flight after 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.
“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 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 back in August 2011.
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 stated. “This win is fully merited, we were disciplined and the lads were incredible.”
“It's fantastic for the region, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a special game, but we have to refocus immediately as we have another difficult test in Brighton in one week.”
