The Black Cats Mimic Famous Magpies Team Photo In the Wake of Crucial Local Rivalry Win.

A different manager and an almost completely different team – but those involved at Sunderland remembered vividly.

Almost 24 months prior, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies marked the occasion with a group photo on the pitch.

This time, the roles were reversed.

Nick Woltemade's mistake proved enough to give Sunderland a long-awaited 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.

“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who came up with the idea.

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

He explained how he desperately wanted to make amends for the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had let them down, so we're overjoyed with this win.”

“It served as motivation. We came in with greater talent in this team, strong personalities, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we merited the win.”

‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’

Sitting in seventh Sunderland are experiencing a excellent return to the top flight following promotion via the play-offs last season.

The Black Cats have a tally of 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 was filled with an incredible 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 incredible and we're working really hard.”

Sunderland are also unbeaten 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 “extremely pleased” with the performance.

“It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he stated. “This win is well deserved, we were composed 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 reset quickly as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.”