Sunderland Recreate Notorious Magpies Group Snapshot In the Wake of ‘Special’ Derby Triumph.

An altered coaching staff and a vastly altered lineup – 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 Geordies celebrated with a group photo on the pitch.

This time, the roles were flipped.

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

“Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who came up with the gesture.

Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that cup defeat, was the only Sunderland player to start in each of the games.

He disclosed how he was determined to rectify the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was so painful for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're overjoyed with this win.”

“It prepared us more for today. We came in with improved ability in this team, strong personalities, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”

‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’

Occupying seventh spot 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 best return 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 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 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 all the way back in 2011.

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

“It was a derby and we were expected [to win] of our fans,” he stated. “This win is well deserved, we were composed 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.”