🔗 Share this article The Black Cats Mimic Famous Magpies Squad Picture Following ‘Special’ Derby Triumph. Sunderland players and staff posed for a picture to mark their win over their rivals. A different manager and a vastly altered lineup – but the club at Sunderland had a long memory. Almost 24 months prior, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies marked the occasion with a team picture on the pitch. On this occasion, the situation were reversed. Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved enough 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 celebratory snapshot at full-time. “Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who came up with the photograph. 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 avenge the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was so painful for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're delighted with this win.” “It prepared us more for today. We came in with greater talent in this team, real leaders, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.” Sunderland paid homage to this picture from Newcastle's cup win over the Black Cats. ‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’ Sitting in seventh Sunderland are enjoying a outstanding return to the top flight after promotion via the play-offs last season. The Black Cats have 26 points on the board 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 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 merits greater recognition – where we are in the league is remarkable 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 expected [to win] of our fans,” he stated. “This win is well deserved, we were composed and the lads were incredible.” “It's positive for the region, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a unique game, but we have to reset quickly as we have another hard game in Brighton in one week.” The Sunderland scoreboard at Stadium of Light did not display Newcastle's name.
Sunderland players and staff posed for a picture to mark their win over their rivals. A different manager and a vastly altered lineup – but the club at Sunderland had a long memory. Almost 24 months prior, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies marked the occasion with a team picture on the pitch. On this occasion, the situation were reversed. Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved enough 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 celebratory snapshot at full-time. “Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who came up with the photograph. 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 avenge the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was so painful for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're delighted with this win.” “It prepared us more for today. We came in with greater talent in this team, real leaders, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.” Sunderland paid homage to this picture from Newcastle's cup win over the Black Cats. ‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’ Sitting in seventh Sunderland are enjoying a outstanding return to the top flight after promotion via the play-offs last season. The Black Cats have 26 points on the board 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 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 merits greater recognition – where we are in the league is remarkable 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 expected [to win] of our fans,” he stated. “This win is well deserved, we were composed and the lads were incredible.” “It's positive for the region, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a unique game, but we have to reset quickly as we have another hard game in Brighton in one week.” The Sunderland scoreboard at Stadium of Light did not display Newcastle's name.