Sunderland Mimic Notorious Magpies Team Photo Following Pivotal Derby Triumph.

An altered coaching staff and an almost completely different team – but the club at Sunderland had a long memory.

Back in 2024, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors commemorated the moment with a full squad photograph on the pitch.

On this occasion, the script were reversed.

Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved decisive to give Sunderland a long-awaited win over their rivals in the return of the Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's iconic snapshot at full-time.

“Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who came up with the idea.

Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the only Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in both games.

He revealed how he was eager to avenge the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was so painful for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're delighted with this win.”

“That experience hardened us. We came in with greater talent in this team, strong personalities, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we merited the win.”

‘Derbies you have to win, it does not matter how’

Sitting in seventh Sunderland are having a excellent return to the top flight after 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 undefeated in the league at the Stadium of Light, which was filled with an feverish atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.

“Derbies, you have to win, it does not matter how,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team deserves much more – where we are in the league is amazing 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 over a decade ago.

Manager Regis le Bris said he was “delighted and satisfied” with the outcome.

“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 outstanding.”

“It's fantastic for the local community, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a huge game, but we have to refocus immediately as we have another hard game in Brighton in one week.”