The Black Cats Stage Famous Magpies Group Snapshot Following Pivotal Local Rivalry Victory.

A different manager and a largely changed squad – but someone at Sunderland had a long memory.

Nearly two years ago, after Newcastle's thumping 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies marked the occasion with a group photo on the pitch.

Now, the script were flipped.

Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved enough to give Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the return of the Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to recreate Newcastle's iconic snapshot at full-time.

“Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who suggested the idea.

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

He revealed how he desperately wanted to rectify the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was so painful for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're delighted with this win.”

“It served as motivation. We came in with more quality in this team, real leaders, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”

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

Seventh-placed Sunderland are enjoying a superb 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 most 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 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 merits greater recognition – where we are in the league is remarkable and we're working really hard.”

Sunderland are also unbeaten 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 over a decade ago.

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

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

“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 hard game in Brighton in one week.”