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Sunderland Turn the Tables as Derby Victory Inspires Poignant Pitchside Celebration

Sunderland’s long-awaited return to the Premier League continues to gather momentum, and Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby win over Newcastle carried both sporting and symbolic weight. Nearly two years after watching their rivals pose for a celebratory team photo at the Stadium of Light, the Black Cats seized their moment to respond—this time as victors.

A solitary own goal from Nick Woltemade proved decisive in the first top-flight league meeting between the two clubs since 2016, sealing a fiercely contested derby that will live long in Sunderland folklore. At full-time, the home side recreated the very pitchside photograph Newcastle had taken following their FA Cup triumph in 2024, a gesture that captured both memory and motivation.

Manager Régis Le Bris, asked about the origins of the idea, offered only a knowing smile, describing his squad as “unpredictable, creative, and adaptive”—qualities that have defined Sunderland’s impressive campaign so far.

Defender Dan Ballard, the only Sunderland starter to feature in both the painful FA Cup defeat two years ago and this derby triumph, spoke candidly about the emotional turnaround. He admitted the earlier loss had cut deeply, galvanising the group and sharpening their resolve. This time, he felt Sunderland’s maturity and leadership were decisive in earning a deserved win.

The result further underlines Sunderland’s remarkable return to the elite. Sitting seventh with 26 points from 16 matches, the Black Cats have matched their best Premier League start since the 2000–01 season, when they also finished seventh. Unbeaten at home in the league and fuelled by a raucous Stadium of Light atmosphere, Le Bris’ side have turned their ground into a fortress.

Captain Granit Xhaka echoed the pragmatic mindset that underpins derby success, insisting that style matters less than outcome in such fixtures. He also called for greater respect for a team that has quietly built consistency and resilience.

Historically, the numbers now lean firmly in Sunderland’s favour. They are unbeaten in their last 10 league meetings with Newcastle—seven wins and three draws—while the Magpies have not claimed a league victory in this fixture since August 2011.

Le Bris, while proud of the moment, was quick to strike a measured tone, reminding his players that momentum must be managed carefully with another demanding test awaiting away at Brighton.

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