🔗 Share this article Sunderland Mimic Notorious Newcastle Team Photo After Crucial Local Rivalry Victory. A commemorative snap was taken by the squad to celebrate their victory over their arch-rivals. A different manager and a largely changed squad – but someone at Sunderland had a long memory. Almost 24 months prior, after a comprehensive Magpies victory 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 script were reversed. Nick Woltemade's own goal proved enough to hand Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time. “Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned 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 start in each of the games. He explained how he was eager to rectify the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. 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, strong personalities, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.” Sunderland deliberately echoed this picture from Newcastle's 2024 FA Cup victory over the Black Cats. ‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’ Seventh-placed Sunderland are enjoying a superb return to the top flight post 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 yet to lose in the league at the Stadium of Light, which was filled with an feverish 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 best-ever streak 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 performance. “It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he stated. “This win is rightfully earned, we were composed and the lads were outstanding.” “It's positive for the area, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a unique game, but we have to turn the page as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.” The Sunderland scoreboard at Stadium of Light pointedly omitted Newcastle's name.
A commemorative snap was taken by the squad to celebrate their victory over their arch-rivals. A different manager and a largely changed squad – but someone at Sunderland had a long memory. Almost 24 months prior, after a comprehensive Magpies victory 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 script were reversed. Nick Woltemade's own goal proved enough to hand Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time. “Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned 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 start in each of the games. He explained how he was eager to rectify the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. 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, strong personalities, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.” Sunderland deliberately echoed this picture from Newcastle's 2024 FA Cup victory over the Black Cats. ‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’ Seventh-placed Sunderland are enjoying a superb return to the top flight post 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 yet to lose in the league at the Stadium of Light, which was filled with an feverish 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 best-ever streak 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 performance. “It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he stated. “This win is rightfully earned, we were composed and the lads were outstanding.” “It's positive for the area, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a unique game, but we have to turn the page as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.” The Sunderland scoreboard at Stadium of Light pointedly omitted Newcastle's name.