Sunderland Stage Famous Magpies Squad Picture Following Pivotal Derby Victory.

New leadership and a largely changed squad – but the club at Sunderland wasn't going to forget.

Back in 2024, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the rivals celebrated with a full squad photograph on the pitch.

This time, the roles were turned on their head.

Nick Woltemade's own goal proved sufficient 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 stage their own version of Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time.

“Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who came up with the photograph.

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

He revealed how he was determined to make amends for the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was so painful 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 improved ability in this team, real leaders, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we merited the win.”

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

Seventh-placed Sunderland are experiencing a superb 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 highest total at this stage of a Premier League campaign since 2000-01.

They are yet to lose in the league at the Stadium of Light, which had an incredible 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 remarkable 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 result.

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

“It's positive for the region, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a huge game, but we have to reset quickly as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.”