The Black Cats Recreate Iconic Magpies Group Snapshot In the Wake of Crucial Local Rivalry Win.

New leadership and an almost completely different team – 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 rivals marked the occasion with a full squad photograph on the pitch.

This time, the roles were flipped.

Nick Woltemade's own goal proved decisive to hand Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's iconic snapshot at full-time.

“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” 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 previous encounter, was the sole Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in both games.

He explained how he desperately wanted to avenge the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was agonizing for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're delighted with this win.”

“It served as motivation. We came in with more quality in this team, true characters, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we merited the win.”

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

Seventh-placed Sunderland are enjoying a excellent return to the top flight after promotion via the play-offs last season.

The Black Cats have 26 points 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 electric atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.

“These games are all about the victory, by hook or by crook,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team deserves much more – 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 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 continued. “This win is well deserved, we were disciplined and the lads were incredible.”

“It's fantastic for the area, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a special game, but we have to turn the page as we have another difficult test in Brighton in one week.”