The Black Cats Stage Famous Magpies Group Snapshot Following Pivotal Local Rivalry Win.

An altered coaching staff and a vastly altered lineup – but someone at Sunderland remembered vividly.

Nearly two years ago, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors marked the occasion with a group photo on the pitch.

Now, the script were flipped.

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

“Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who proposed the gesture.

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

He explained how he desperately wanted 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 ecstatic with this win.”

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

‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’

Seventh-placed Sunderland are having a outstanding return to the top flight post 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 undefeated 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 is worthy of more respect – where we are in the league is incredible 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 “extremely pleased” with the result.

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

“It's positive for the region, 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.”