🔗 Share this article The Black Cats Recreate Notorious Magpies Team Photo After Crucial Derby Triumph. Sunderland players and staff posed for a picture to commemorate their win over their rivals. New leadership and an almost completely different team – but those involved at Sunderland remembered vividly. Almost 24 months prior, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies commemorated the moment with a full squad photograph on the pitch. This time, the script were turned on their head. Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved enough to hand Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to recreate Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time. “Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who proposed the photograph. Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the only Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in the two games. He revealed how he was determined to rectify the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're overjoyed with this win.” “That experience hardened us. We came in with greater talent in this team, true characters, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we merited the win.” Sunderland paid homage to this picture from Newcastle's 2024 FA Cup victory over the Black Cats. ‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’ Sitting in seventh Sunderland are experiencing a superb return to the top flight post promotion via the play-offs last season. The Black Cats have a tally of 26 points in 16 games, their best return 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 incredible 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 amazing and we're working really hard.” Sunderland are also unbeaten in their last 10 league games against Newcastle, their longest such run 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 result. “It was a derby and we were expected [to win] of our fans,” he stated. “This win is rightfully earned, we were composed and the lads were outstanding.” “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.” The Sunderland scoreboard at Stadium of Light chose not to show Newcastle's name.
Sunderland players and staff posed for a picture to commemorate their win over their rivals. New leadership and an almost completely different team – but those involved at Sunderland remembered vividly. Almost 24 months prior, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies commemorated the moment with a full squad photograph on the pitch. This time, the script were turned on their head. Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved enough to hand Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to recreate Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time. “Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who proposed the photograph. Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the only Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in the two games. He revealed how he was determined to rectify the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're overjoyed with this win.” “That experience hardened us. We came in with greater talent in this team, true characters, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we merited the win.” Sunderland paid homage to this picture from Newcastle's 2024 FA Cup victory over the Black Cats. ‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’ Sitting in seventh Sunderland are experiencing a superb return to the top flight post promotion via the play-offs last season. The Black Cats have a tally of 26 points in 16 games, their best return 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 incredible 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 amazing and we're working really hard.” Sunderland are also unbeaten in their last 10 league games against Newcastle, their longest such run 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 result. “It was a derby and we were expected [to win] of our fans,” he stated. “This win is rightfully earned, we were composed and the lads were outstanding.” “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.” The Sunderland scoreboard at Stadium of Light chose not to show Newcastle's name.