🔗 Share this article The Black Cats Stage Iconic Newcastle Group Snapshot In the Wake of Crucial Derby Triumph. A commemorative snap was taken by the squad to mark their win over their rivals. A different manager and an almost completely different team – but someone at Sunderland wasn't going to forget. Almost 24 months prior, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the rivals marked the occasion with a team picture on the pitch. This time, the roles were turned on their head. Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved enough to deliver Sunderland a historic win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to stage their own version of Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time. “Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who suggested the photograph. Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the sole Sunderland player to start in the two games. He revealed how he was determined to avenge the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed 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 paid homage to this picture from Newcastle's 2024 FA Cup victory over the Black Cats. ‘Derbies you have to win, it does not matter how’ Seventh-placed Sunderland are having 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 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 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 deserves much more – where we are in the league is incredible and we're working really hard.” Sunderland are also without a loss 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 result. “It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he added. “This win is rightfully earned, we were mature and the lads were incredible.” “It's good for the local community, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a special 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 pointedly omitted Newcastle's name.
A commemorative snap was taken by the squad to mark their win over their rivals. A different manager and an almost completely different team – but someone at Sunderland wasn't going to forget. Almost 24 months prior, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the rivals marked the occasion with a team picture on the pitch. This time, the roles were turned on their head. Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved enough to deliver Sunderland a historic win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to stage their own version of Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time. “Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who suggested the photograph. Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the sole Sunderland player to start in the two games. He revealed how he was determined to avenge the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed 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 paid homage to this picture from Newcastle's 2024 FA Cup victory over the Black Cats. ‘Derbies you have to win, it does not matter how’ Seventh-placed Sunderland are having 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 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 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 deserves much more – where we are in the league is incredible and we're working really hard.” Sunderland are also without a loss 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 result. “It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he added. “This win is rightfully earned, we were mature and the lads were incredible.” “It's good for the local community, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a special 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 pointedly omitted Newcastle's name.