🔗 Share this article The Black Cats Stage Famous Newcastle Group Snapshot After Pivotal Derby Triumph. Sunderland players and staff posed for a picture to mark their victory over their local foes. An altered coaching staff and a largely changed squad – but those involved at Sunderland wasn't going to forget. Nearly two years ago, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the rivals commemorated the moment with a group photo on the pitch. This time, the roles were flipped. Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved sufficient to hand Sunderland a historic win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time. “Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who proposed the idea. 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 the two games. He disclosed how he was eager to avenge the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was agonizing for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're ecstatic with this win.” “That experience hardened us. 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. ‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’ Sitting in seventh Sunderland are having a outstanding return to the top flight after 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 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 deserves much more – where we are in the league is amazing and we're working really hard.” Sunderland are also undefeated 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 “delighted and satisfied” with the result. “It was a derby and we were expected [to win] of our fans,” he added. “This win is fully merited, we were mature and the lads were superb.” “It's good 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 chose not to show Newcastle's name.
Sunderland players and staff posed for a picture to mark their victory over their local foes. An altered coaching staff and a largely changed squad – but those involved at Sunderland wasn't going to forget. Nearly two years ago, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the rivals commemorated the moment with a group photo on the pitch. This time, the roles were flipped. Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved sufficient to hand Sunderland a historic win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time. “Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who proposed the idea. 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 the two games. He disclosed how he was eager to avenge the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was agonizing for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're ecstatic with this win.” “That experience hardened us. 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. ‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’ Sitting in seventh Sunderland are having a outstanding return to the top flight after 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 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 deserves much more – where we are in the league is amazing and we're working really hard.” Sunderland are also undefeated 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 “delighted and satisfied” with the result. “It was a derby and we were expected [to win] of our fans,” he added. “This win is fully merited, we were mature and the lads were superb.” “It's good 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 chose not to show Newcastle's name.