The Black Cats Stage Notorious Newcastle Group Snapshot Following ‘Special’ Derby Victory.
New leadership and a largely changed squad – 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 Geordies commemorated the moment with a group photo on the pitch.
On this occasion, the situation were flipped.
Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved decisive to deliver Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the first 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,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who came up with 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 start in both games.
He disclosed how he desperately wanted 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 let them down, so we're ecstatic with this win.”
“That experience hardened us. We came in with more quality in this team, true characters, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”
‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’
Seventh-placed Sunderland are enjoying a outstanding return to the top flight following 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 still unbeaten in the league at the Stadium of Light, which was filled with 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 merits greater recognition – where we are in the league is incredible 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 over a decade ago.
Manager Regis le Bris said he was “extremely pleased” with the performance.
“It was a derby and we were expected [to win] of our fans,” he added. “This win is well deserved, we were disciplined and the lads were outstanding.”
“It's fantastic for the area, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a special game, but we have to turn the page as we have another hard game in Brighton in one week.”
