Sunderland Mimic Famous Magpies Team Photo After Pivotal Local Rivalry Win.

An altered coaching staff and a largely changed squad – but those involved at Sunderland remembered vividly.

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.

This time, the roles were flipped.

Nick Woltemade's mistake proved enough to give Sunderland a long-awaited win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to stage their own version of Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time.

“Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who proposed the idea.

Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that cup defeat, was the only Sunderland player to start in both games.

He disclosed how he was eager 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 ecstatic with this win.”

“That experience hardened us. We came in with improved ability in this team, real leaders, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.”

‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’

Sitting in seventh Sunderland are having a excellent 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 yet to lose in the league at the Stadium of Light, which had an incredible 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 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 all the way back in 2011.

Manager Regis le Bris said he was “proud and happy” with the outcome.

“It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he added. “This win is fully merited, we were composed and the lads were superb.”

“It's good 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.”