🔗 Share this article Sunderland Stage Famous Magpies Squad Picture In the Wake of Pivotal Local Rivalry Triumph. A commemorative snap was taken by the squad to commemorate their win over their rivals. A different manager and a largely changed squad – but those involved at Sunderland wasn't going to forget. Back in 2024, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies marked the occasion with a group photo on the pitch. Now, the script were flipped. Nick Woltemade's own goal proved decisive to give Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to recreate Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time. “Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who proposed the gesture. Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that cup defeat, was the only Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in both games. He explained how he was determined to make amends for the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was so painful for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're delighted with this win.” “It served as motivation. We came in with greater talent in this team, strong personalities, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.” Sunderland deliberately echoed this picture from Newcastle's cup win over the Black Cats. ‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’ 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 26 points in 16 games, their most at this stage of a Premier League campaign since 2000-01. They are undefeated in the league at the Stadium of Light, which had 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 is worthy of more respect – 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 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 “delighted and satisfied” 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 superb.” “It's positive for the region, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a huge 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 pointedly omitted Newcastle's name.
A commemorative snap was taken by the squad to commemorate their win over their rivals. A different manager and a largely changed squad – but those involved at Sunderland wasn't going to forget. Back in 2024, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies marked the occasion with a group photo on the pitch. Now, the script were flipped. Nick Woltemade's own goal proved decisive to give Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to recreate Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time. “Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who proposed the gesture. Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that cup defeat, was the only Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in both games. He explained how he was determined to make amends for the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was so painful for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're delighted with this win.” “It served as motivation. We came in with greater talent in this team, strong personalities, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.” Sunderland deliberately echoed this picture from Newcastle's cup win over the Black Cats. ‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’ 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 26 points in 16 games, their most at this stage of a Premier League campaign since 2000-01. They are undefeated in the league at the Stadium of Light, which had 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 is worthy of more respect – 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 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 “delighted and satisfied” 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 superb.” “It's positive for the region, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a huge 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 pointedly omitted Newcastle's name.