Sunderland Mimic Notorious Magpies Group Snapshot In the Wake of ‘Special’ Derby Win.

New leadership and a vastly altered lineup – but someone at Sunderland remembered vividly.

Nearly two years ago, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the rivals commemorated the moment with a full squad photograph on the pitch.

Now, the situation were turned on their head.

Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection 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 recreate Newcastle's iconic snapshot at full-time.

“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who suggested the photograph.

Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that previous encounter, was the lone Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in both games.

He revealed how he was determined to make amends for 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 ecstatic with this win.”

“It prepared us more for today. We came in with greater talent in this team, strong personalities, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.”

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

Occupying seventh spot Sunderland are having a outstanding return to the top flight following promotion via the play-offs last season.

The Black Cats have 26 points on the board in 16 games, their highest total at this stage of a Premier League campaign since 2000-01.

They are yet to lose in the league at the Stadium of Light, which boasted 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 deserves much more – where we are in the league is amazing and we're working really hard.”

Sunderland are also undefeated 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 over a decade ago.

Manager Regis le Bris said he was “extremely pleased” with the outcome.

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

“It's good for the local community, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a special game, but we have to refocus immediately as we have another difficult test in Brighton in one week.”