🔗 Share this article Sunderland Stage Iconic Newcastle Group Snapshot Following ‘Special’ Local Rivalry Triumph. The team gathered for a celebratory photograph to celebrate their win over their rivals. A different manager and a largely changed squad – but someone 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 Geordies commemorated the moment with a group photo on the pitch. On this occasion, the situation were reversed. Nick Woltemade's mistake proved enough to hand Sunderland a long-awaited win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to recreate Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time. “Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who came up with the photograph. Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that previous encounter, was the only Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in both games. He explained how he was determined to make amends for the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was so painful for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're delighted with this win.” “It prepared us more for today. We came in with greater talent in this team, strong personalities, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.” Sunderland paid homage to this picture from Newcastle's cup win over the Black Cats. ‘Derbies you have to win, it does not matter how’ Occupying seventh spot Sunderland are experiencing a superb return to the top flight following promotion via the play-offs last season. The Black Cats have 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 feverish atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon. “In local rivalry matches, the result is everything, the performance secondary,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team is worthy of more respect – where we are in the league is amazing and we're working really hard.” Sunderland are also without a loss 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 all the way back in 2011. 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 stated. “This win is well deserved, we were composed and the lads were outstanding.” “It's fantastic for the local community, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a unique game, but we have to turn the page as we have another hard game in Brighton in one week.” The Sunderland scoreboard at Stadium of Light did not display Newcastle's name.
The team gathered for a celebratory photograph to celebrate their win over their rivals. A different manager and a largely changed squad – but someone 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 Geordies commemorated the moment with a group photo on the pitch. On this occasion, the situation were reversed. Nick Woltemade's mistake proved enough to hand Sunderland a long-awaited win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to recreate Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time. “Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who came up with the photograph. Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that previous encounter, was the only Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in both games. He explained how he was determined to make amends for the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was so painful for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're delighted with this win.” “It prepared us more for today. We came in with greater talent in this team, strong personalities, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.” Sunderland paid homage to this picture from Newcastle's cup win over the Black Cats. ‘Derbies you have to win, it does not matter how’ Occupying seventh spot Sunderland are experiencing a superb return to the top flight following promotion via the play-offs last season. The Black Cats have 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 feverish atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon. “In local rivalry matches, the result is everything, the performance secondary,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team is worthy of more respect – where we are in the league is amazing and we're working really hard.” Sunderland are also without a loss 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 all the way back in 2011. 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 stated. “This win is well deserved, we were composed and the lads were outstanding.” “It's fantastic for the local community, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a unique game, but we have to turn the page as we have another hard game in Brighton in one week.” The Sunderland scoreboard at Stadium of Light did not display Newcastle's name.