Sunderland Mimic Famous Newcastle Team Photo In the Wake of Pivotal Local Rivalry Triumph.

An altered coaching staff and a vastly altered lineup – but those involved at Sunderland had a long memory.

Back in 2024, after Newcastle's thumping 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the rivals commemorated the moment with a team picture on the pitch.

On this occasion, the roles were reversed.

Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved decisive to hand Sunderland a historic win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time.

“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who proposed the photograph.

Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that cup defeat, was the only Sunderland player to start in each of the games.

He disclosed how he was determined to make amends for the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was agonizing for the players and for the fans. We felt we had let them down, so we're overjoyed with this win.”

“It served as motivation. We came in with improved ability in this team, true characters, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.”

‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’

Occupying seventh spot Sunderland are enjoying a excellent return to the top flight post promotion via the play-offs last season.

The Black Cats have 26 points in 16 games, their highest total at this stage of a Premier League campaign since 2000-01.

They are still unbeaten in the league at the Stadium of Light, which boasted an incredible atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.

“Derbies, you have to win, it does not matter how,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team merits greater recognition – 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 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 outcome.

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

“It's fantastic for the area, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a unique game, but we have to refocus immediately as we have another hard game in Brighton in one week.”