The Black Cats Mimic Notorious Magpies Squad Picture Following Crucial Derby Victory.

New leadership and an almost completely different team – but those involved at Sunderland had a long memory.

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 full squad photograph on the pitch.

This time, the roles were turned on their head.

Nick Woltemade's mistake proved enough to hand Sunderland a long-awaited 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 conceded an own goal in that cup defeat, was the lone Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in both games.

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

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

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

Sitting in seventh Sunderland are having a outstanding return to the top flight post 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 undefeated in the league at the Stadium of Light, which had an incredible atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.

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

Sunderland are also undefeated 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 back in August 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 added. “This win is well deserved, we were disciplined and the lads were superb.”

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