The Black Cats Stage Notorious Newcastle Squad Picture In the Wake of ‘Special’ Derby Win.

New leadership and an almost completely different team – but the club at Sunderland remembered vividly.

Almost 24 months prior, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors celebrated with a group photo on the pitch.

This time, the roles were turned on their head.

Nick Woltemade's own goal proved sufficient to give Sunderland a historic win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's iconic snapshot at full-time.

“Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who came up with the photograph.

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 each of the games.

He explained how he was determined to avenge the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had let them down, so we're overjoyed with this win.”

“It served as motivation. We came in with improved ability in this team, true characters, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.”

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

Sitting in seventh Sunderland are experiencing a superb 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 highest total 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 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 amazing 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 stated. “This win is well deserved, we were disciplined and the lads were outstanding.”

“It's good for the local community, 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.”