🔗 Share this article The Black Cats Mimic Famous Newcastle Team Photo In the Wake of Crucial Derby Win. A commemorative snap was taken by the squad to mark their victory over their arch-rivals. An altered coaching staff and a vastly altered lineup – but those involved at Sunderland wasn't going to forget. Nearly two years ago, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors celebrated with a full squad photograph on the pitch. This time, the script were flipped. Nick Woltemade's own goal proved enough to give Sunderland a long-awaited win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to recreate Newcastle's iconic snapshot at full-time. “Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who came up with the photograph. 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 revealed how he was determined to make amends for the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're overjoyed with this win.” “That experience hardened us. We came in with improved ability in this team, strong personalities, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.” Sunderland recreated this picture from Newcastle's 2024 FA Cup victory over the Black Cats. ‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’ Sitting in seventh Sunderland are having a superb 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 feverish atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon. “These games are all about the victory, by hook or by crook,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team merits greater recognition – 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 result. “It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he stated. “This win is well deserved, we were composed and the lads were incredible.” “It's fantastic for the area, 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.
A commemorative snap was taken by the squad to mark their victory over their arch-rivals. An altered coaching staff and a vastly altered lineup – but those involved at Sunderland wasn't going to forget. Nearly two years ago, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors celebrated with a full squad photograph on the pitch. This time, the script were flipped. Nick Woltemade's own goal proved enough to give Sunderland a long-awaited win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to recreate Newcastle's iconic snapshot at full-time. “Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who came up with the photograph. 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 revealed how he was determined to make amends for the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're overjoyed with this win.” “That experience hardened us. We came in with improved ability in this team, strong personalities, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.” Sunderland recreated this picture from Newcastle's 2024 FA Cup victory over the Black Cats. ‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’ Sitting in seventh Sunderland are having a superb 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 feverish atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon. “These games are all about the victory, by hook or by crook,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team merits greater recognition – 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 result. “It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he stated. “This win is well deserved, we were composed and the lads were incredible.” “It's fantastic for the area, 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.