Sunderland Recreate Famous Newcastle Group Snapshot In the Wake of Pivotal Derby Triumph.

Sunderland players and staff commemorating their derby success.
A commemorative snap was taken by the squad to celebrate their victory over their arch-rivals.

A different manager and an almost completely different team – but the club 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 visitors commemorated the moment with a full squad photograph on the pitch.

This time, the roles were turned on their head.

Nick Woltemade's own goal proved sufficient to give Sunderland a long-awaited win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to recreate Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time.

“Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who suggested 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 the two games.

He explained how he was determined to make amends for 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 delighted with this win.”

“It served as motivation. We came in with greater talent in this team, true characters, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”

Comparison of the celebratory team photos.
Sunderland deliberately echoed this picture from Newcastle's previous triumph over the Black Cats.

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

Sitting in seventh Sunderland are enjoying a outstanding return to the top flight post promotion via the play-offs last season.

The Black Cats have 26 points in 16 games, their best return 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.

“Derbies, you have to win, it does not matter how,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team merits greater recognition – where we are in the league is remarkable and we're working really hard.”

Sunderland are also unbeaten 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 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 expected [to win] of our fans,” he stated. “This win is fully merited, we were mature and the lads were outstanding.”

“It's good for the region, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a unique game, but we have to turn the page as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.”

Scoreboard at the Stadium of Light.
The Sunderland scoreboard at Stadium of Light did not display Newcastle's name.
Stephanie Watson
Stephanie Watson

A seasoned gaming journalist with over a decade of experience covering online casinos and slot mechanics across the UK market.