The Black Cats Recreate Famous Magpies Squad Picture After Pivotal Derby Triumph.

New leadership and a vastly altered lineup – but those involved at Sunderland wasn't going to forget.

Almost 24 months prior, after Newcastle's thumping 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors commemorated the moment with a full squad photograph on the pitch.

Now, the script were flipped.

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

“Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who proposed the photograph.

Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that previous encounter, was the lone Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in each of the games.

He revealed how he was determined to avenge 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 overjoyed with this win.”

“It served as motivation. We came in with improved ability in this team, real leaders, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”

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

Sitting in seventh Sunderland are experiencing a outstanding return to the top flight following 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.

“These games are all about the victory, by hook or by crook,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team merits greater recognition – where we are in the league is incredible and we're working really hard.”

Sunderland are also unbeaten 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 result.

“It was a derby and we were carrying the hopes of our fans,” he added. “This win is well deserved, we were disciplined and the lads were incredible.”

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