🔗 Share this article The Black Cats Mimic Famous Newcastle Squad Picture Following Pivotal Derby Win. The team gathered for a celebratory photograph to mark their victory over their local foes. An altered coaching staff and a vastly altered lineup – but someone 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 marked the occasion with a group photo on the pitch. On this occasion, the roles were turned on their head. Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved enough to hand Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the return of the Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time. “Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who proposed the photograph. Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the sole Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in the two games. He disclosed how he desperately wanted to avenge the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. 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.” “It prepared us more for today. We came in with improved ability in this team, true characters, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.” Sunderland deliberately echoed this picture from Newcastle's previous triumph over the Black Cats. ‘Derbies you have to win, it does not matter how’ Seventh-placed Sunderland are having 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 yet to lose 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 deserves much more – where we are in the league is incredible and we're working really hard.” Sunderland are also undefeated in their last 10 league games against Newcastle, their longest such run without defeat against the Magpies. Newcastle's last league win over Sunderland was back in August 2011. Manager Regis le Bris said he was “extremely pleased” with the performance. “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 incredible.” “It's fantastic for the region, 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 chose not to show Newcastle's name.
The team gathered for a celebratory photograph to mark their victory over their local foes. An altered coaching staff and a vastly altered lineup – but someone 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 marked the occasion with a group photo on the pitch. On this occasion, the roles were turned on their head. Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved enough to hand Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the return of the Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time. “Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who proposed the photograph. Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the sole Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in the two games. He disclosed how he desperately wanted to avenge the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. 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.” “It prepared us more for today. We came in with improved ability in this team, true characters, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.” Sunderland deliberately echoed this picture from Newcastle's previous triumph over the Black Cats. ‘Derbies you have to win, it does not matter how’ Seventh-placed Sunderland are having 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 yet to lose 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 deserves much more – where we are in the league is incredible and we're working really hard.” Sunderland are also undefeated in their last 10 league games against Newcastle, their longest such run without defeat against the Magpies. Newcastle's last league win over Sunderland was back in August 2011. Manager Regis le Bris said he was “extremely pleased” with the performance. “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 incredible.” “It's fantastic for the region, 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 chose not to show Newcastle's name.