The Black Cats Recreate Notorious Magpies Squad Picture In the Wake of Pivotal Derby Win.

A different manager and an almost completely different team – but the club at Sunderland wasn't going to forget.

Nearly two years ago, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors marked the occasion with a team picture on the pitch.

On this occasion, the script were flipped.

Nick Woltemade's own goal proved decisive to deliver Sunderland a historic win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to stage their own version of Newcastle's celebratory 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 was unfortunate to score an own goal in that cup defeat, was the lone Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in the two games.

He disclosed how he was eager 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 delighted with this win.”

“That experience hardened us. We came in with improved ability in this team, strong personalities, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”

‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’

Seventh-placed Sunderland are having a superb 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 still unbeaten in the league at the Stadium of Light, which boasted an incredible atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.

“In local rivalry matches, the result is everything, the performance secondary,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team merits greater recognition – where we are in the league is remarkable and we're working really hard.”

Sunderland are also undefeated in their last 10 league games against Newcastle, their best-ever streak 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 performance.

“It was a derby and we were expected [to win] of our fans,” he added. “This win is fully merited, we were composed and the lads were incredible.”

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