🔗 Share this article Sunderland Stage Iconic Newcastle Group Snapshot After ‘Special’ Local Rivalry Victory. A commemorative snap was taken by the squad to celebrate their success over their local foes. An altered coaching staff and an almost completely different team – 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 visitors commemorated the moment with a team picture on the pitch. This time, the script were flipped. Nick Woltemade's mistake proved decisive to hand Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's iconic snapshot at full-time. “Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who came up with the gesture. Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the lone Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in the two games. He disclosed how he desperately wanted 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 overjoyed with this win.” “That experience hardened us. We came in with greater talent in this team, true characters, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.” Sunderland paid homage to this picture from Newcastle's cup win over the Black Cats. ‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’ Occupying seventh spot 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 highest total 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. “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 unbeaten 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 expected [to win] of our fans,” he continued. “This win is fully merited, we were disciplined and the lads were incredible.” “It's good for the local community, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a unique 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 success over their local foes. An altered coaching staff and an almost completely different team – 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 visitors commemorated the moment with a team picture on the pitch. This time, the script were flipped. Nick Woltemade's mistake proved decisive to hand Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's iconic snapshot at full-time. “Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who came up with the gesture. Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the lone Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in the two games. He disclosed how he desperately wanted 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 overjoyed with this win.” “That experience hardened us. We came in with greater talent in this team, true characters, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.” Sunderland paid homage to this picture from Newcastle's cup win over the Black Cats. ‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’ Occupying seventh spot 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 highest total 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. “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 unbeaten 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 expected [to win] of our fans,” he continued. “This win is fully merited, we were disciplined and the lads were incredible.” “It's good for the local community, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a unique 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.