🔗 Share this article The Black Cats Mimic Notorious Newcastle Squad Picture After Pivotal Local Rivalry Triumph. A commemorative snap was taken by the squad to celebrate their success over their local foes. New leadership and an almost completely different team – but someone at Sunderland had a long memory. Nearly two years ago, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the rivals commemorated the moment with a team picture on the pitch. This time, the roles were flipped. Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved sufficient to give 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,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who suggested the idea. Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the sole Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in both games. He disclosed how he was eager to rectify the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was agonizing for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're overjoyed with this win.” “It prepared us more for today. We came in with more quality in this team, true characters, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.” Sunderland recreated 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 experiencing a excellent return to the top flight following promotion via the play-offs last season. The Black Cats have a tally of 26 points in 16 games, their highest total 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 had an electric atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon. “Derbies, you have to win, it does not matter how,” 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 undefeated 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 all the way back in 2011. Manager Regis le Bris said he was “proud and happy” with the performance. “It was a derby and we were expected [to win] of our fans,” he added. “This win is well deserved, we were composed and the lads were outstanding.” “It's good for the area, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a special game, but we have to turn the page as we have another hard game 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. New leadership and an almost completely different team – but someone at Sunderland had a long memory. Nearly two years ago, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the rivals commemorated the moment with a team picture on the pitch. This time, the roles were flipped. Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved sufficient to give 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,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who suggested the idea. Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the sole Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in both games. He disclosed how he was eager to rectify the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was agonizing for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're overjoyed with this win.” “It prepared us more for today. We came in with more quality in this team, true characters, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.” Sunderland recreated 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 experiencing a excellent return to the top flight following promotion via the play-offs last season. The Black Cats have a tally of 26 points in 16 games, their highest total 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 had an electric atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon. “Derbies, you have to win, it does not matter how,” 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 undefeated 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 all the way back in 2011. Manager Regis le Bris said he was “proud and happy” with the performance. “It was a derby and we were expected [to win] of our fans,” he added. “This win is well deserved, we were composed and the lads were outstanding.” “It's good for the area, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a special game, but we have to turn the page as we have another hard game in Brighton in one week.” The Sunderland scoreboard at Stadium of Light did not display Newcastle's name.