The Black Cats Mimic Iconic Magpies Squad Picture In the Wake of Pivotal Derby Victory.

New leadership and an almost completely different team – but the club at Sunderland remembered vividly.

Almost 24 months prior, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the rivals commemorated the moment with a group photo on the pitch.

On this occasion, the script were reversed.

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

“Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who proposed the gesture.

Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that previous encounter, was the sole Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in the two games.

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

“That experience hardened us. We came in with greater talent in this team, true characters, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”

‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’

Sitting in seventh Sunderland are having a outstanding 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 best return 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 feverish 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 longest such run 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 “delighted and satisfied” with the outcome.

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

“It's fantastic for the area, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a huge game, but we have to reset quickly as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.”