🔗 Share this article The Black Cats Mimic Famous Newcastle Team Photo In the Wake of Pivotal Local Rivalry Win. Sunderland players and staff posed for a picture to celebrate their success over their rivals. An altered coaching staff and a largely changed squad – but the club at Sunderland had a long memory. Almost 24 months prior, after Newcastle's thumping 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies commemorated the moment with a team picture on the pitch. On this occasion, the roles were reversed. Nick Woltemade's own goal proved sufficient to deliver Sunderland a long-awaited 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 iconic snapshot at full-time. “Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who proposed the photograph. Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the lone Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in both games. He explained how he was determined 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 disappointed them, so we're delighted with this win.” “That experience hardened us. We came in with improved ability in this team, real leaders, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we merited the win.” Sunderland deliberately echoed 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 enjoying a excellent 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 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 boasted an electric atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon. “These games are all about the victory, by hook or by crook,” 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 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 carrying the hopes of our fans,” he continued. “This win is rightfully earned, we were composed and the lads were outstanding.” “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.” The Sunderland scoreboard at Stadium of Light pointedly omitted Newcastle's name.
Sunderland players and staff posed for a picture to celebrate their success over their rivals. An altered coaching staff and a largely changed squad – but the club at Sunderland had a long memory. Almost 24 months prior, after Newcastle's thumping 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies commemorated the moment with a team picture on the pitch. On this occasion, the roles were reversed. Nick Woltemade's own goal proved sufficient to deliver Sunderland a long-awaited 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 iconic snapshot at full-time. “Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who proposed the photograph. Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the lone Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in both games. He explained how he was determined 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 disappointed them, so we're delighted with this win.” “That experience hardened us. We came in with improved ability in this team, real leaders, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we merited the win.” Sunderland deliberately echoed 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 enjoying a excellent 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 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 boasted an electric atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon. “These games are all about the victory, by hook or by crook,” 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 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 carrying the hopes of our fans,” he continued. “This win is rightfully earned, we were composed and the lads were outstanding.” “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.” The Sunderland scoreboard at Stadium of Light pointedly omitted Newcastle's name.