🔗 Share this article The Black Cats Stage Notorious Magpies Team Photo In the Wake of Crucial Derby Triumph. A commemorative snap was taken by the squad to celebrate their victory over their arch-rivals. New leadership and a largely changed squad – but those involved at Sunderland remembered vividly. Almost 24 months prior, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies celebrated with a full squad photograph on the pitch. Now, the situation were turned on their head. Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved decisive to give Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time. “Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who came up with the idea. Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the sole Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in each of the games. He revealed how he was eager to make amends for the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was so painful for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're overjoyed with this win.” “It served as motivation. We came in with greater talent in this team, strong personalities, 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. ‘Derbies you have to win, it does not matter how’ Occupying seventh spot Sunderland are experiencing a outstanding return to the top flight after promotion via the play-offs last season. The Black Cats have 26 points in 16 games, their most 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 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 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 back in August 2011. Manager Regis le Bris said he was “delighted and satisfied” with the outcome. “It was a derby and we were carrying the hopes of our fans,” he stated. “This win is well deserved, we were mature and the lads were superb.” “It's fantastic for the local community, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a special game, but we have to refocus immediately as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.” The Sunderland scoreboard at Stadium of Light did not display Newcastle's name.
A commemorative snap was taken by the squad to celebrate their victory over their arch-rivals. New leadership and a largely changed squad – but those involved at Sunderland remembered vividly. Almost 24 months prior, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies celebrated with a full squad photograph on the pitch. Now, the situation were turned on their head. Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved decisive to give Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time. “Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who came up with the idea. Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the sole Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in each of the games. He revealed how he was eager to make amends for the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was so painful for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're overjoyed with this win.” “It served as motivation. We came in with greater talent in this team, strong personalities, 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. ‘Derbies you have to win, it does not matter how’ Occupying seventh spot Sunderland are experiencing a outstanding return to the top flight after promotion via the play-offs last season. The Black Cats have 26 points in 16 games, their most 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 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 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 back in August 2011. Manager Regis le Bris said he was “delighted and satisfied” with the outcome. “It was a derby and we were carrying the hopes of our fans,” he stated. “This win is well deserved, we were mature and the lads were superb.” “It's fantastic for the local community, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a special game, but we have to refocus immediately as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.” The Sunderland scoreboard at Stadium of Light did not display Newcastle's name.