🔗 Share this article The Black Cats Recreate Famous Magpies Group Snapshot After Crucial Local Rivalry Win. A commemorative snap was taken by the squad to mark their win over their local foes. A different manager and a vastly altered lineup – but those involved 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 celebrated with a group photo on the pitch. On this occasion, the script were flipped. Nick Woltemade's own goal proved enough to deliver Sunderland a long-awaited win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to stage their own version of Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time. “Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who suggested the photograph. Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that previous encounter, was the only Sunderland player to start in both games. He disclosed how he was eager to make amends for the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was agonizing 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. ‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’ Occupying seventh spot Sunderland are enjoying a excellent return to the top flight post promotion via the play-offs last season. The Black Cats have a tally of 26 points in 16 games, their most at this stage of a Premier League campaign since 2000-01. They are still unbeaten in the league at the Stadium of Light, which had an incredible 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 remarkable and we're working really hard.” Sunderland are also without a loss in their last 10 league games against Newcastle, their most extended period 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 outcome. “It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he continued. “This win is rightfully earned, we were composed and the lads were incredible.” “It's positive 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 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 mark their win over their local foes. A different manager and a vastly altered lineup – but those involved 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 celebrated with a group photo on the pitch. On this occasion, the script were flipped. Nick Woltemade's own goal proved enough to deliver Sunderland a long-awaited win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to stage their own version of Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time. “Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who suggested the photograph. Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that previous encounter, was the only Sunderland player to start in both games. He disclosed how he was eager to make amends for the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was agonizing 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. ‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’ Occupying seventh spot Sunderland are enjoying a excellent return to the top flight post promotion via the play-offs last season. The Black Cats have a tally of 26 points in 16 games, their most at this stage of a Premier League campaign since 2000-01. They are still unbeaten in the league at the Stadium of Light, which had an incredible 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 remarkable and we're working really hard.” Sunderland are also without a loss in their last 10 league games against Newcastle, their most extended period 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 outcome. “It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he continued. “This win is rightfully earned, we were composed and the lads were incredible.” “It's positive 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 tough challenge in Brighton in one week.” The Sunderland scoreboard at Stadium of Light pointedly omitted Newcastle's name.