The Black Cats Recreate Notorious Newcastle Squad Picture After ‘Special’ Local Rivalry Triumph.

An altered coaching staff and a largely changed squad – but the club 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 rivals marked the occasion with a group photo on the pitch.

Now, the roles were flipped.

Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved enough to deliver Sunderland a memorable 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.

“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who proposed the photograph.

Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that cup defeat, was the only Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in the two games.

He explained how he desperately wanted to rectify the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're ecstatic with this win.”

“It served as motivation. We came in with greater talent in this team, strong personalities, 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 outstanding return to the top flight after 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 boasted an electric atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.

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

Sunderland are also without a loss 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 back in August 2011.

Manager Regis le Bris said he was “proud and happy” with the outcome.

“It was a derby and we were expected [to win] of our fans,” he continued. “This win is rightfully earned, we were disciplined and the lads were incredible.”

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