The Black Cats Recreate Notorious Magpies Group Snapshot Following Pivotal Local Rivalry Triumph.

An altered coaching staff and an almost completely different team – but someone at Sunderland remembered vividly.

Almost 24 months prior, 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.

This time, the situation were reversed.

Nick Woltemade's own goal proved decisive to hand Sunderland a historic win over their rivals in the return of the Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to recreate Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time.

“Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who proposed the idea.

Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that cup defeat, was the lone Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in each of the 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 failed them, so we're overjoyed with this win.”

“It prepared us more for today. We came in with greater talent in this team, true characters, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we merited the win.”

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

Seventh-placed Sunderland are enjoying a excellent return to the top flight after promotion via the play-offs last season.

The Black Cats have 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 had an electric atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.

“These games are all about the victory, by hook or by crook,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team is worthy of more respect – 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 over a decade ago.

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

“It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he added. “This win is fully merited, we were mature and the lads were superb.”

“It's fantastic for the region, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a special game, but we have to reset quickly as we have another hard game in Brighton in one week.”