Sunderland Mimic Notorious Newcastle Group Snapshot In the Wake of Crucial Derby Win.

New leadership and a vastly altered lineup – but those involved at Sunderland wasn't going to forget.

Almost 24 months prior, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors commemorated the moment with a full squad photograph on the pitch.

Now, the situation were turned on their head.

Nick Woltemade's own goal proved sufficient to deliver Sunderland a long-awaited win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to stage their own version of Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time.

“Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who suggested the photograph.

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

He disclosed how he desperately wanted to make amends for the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was heartbreaking 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 dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”

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

Sitting in seventh Sunderland are enjoying a superb return to the top flight following 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 was filled with an feverish 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 without a loss 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 back in August 2011.

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

“It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he continued. “This win is rightfully earned, we were mature and the lads were superb.”

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