Sunderland Mimic Notorious Magpies Squad Picture In the Wake of Pivotal Derby Victory.

An altered coaching staff and a vastly altered lineup – but the club at Sunderland wasn't going to forget.

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

Now, the situation were reversed.

Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved decisive to deliver Sunderland a memorable 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.

“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” said with a grin 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 lone Sunderland player to start in the two games.

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

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

‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’

Occupying seventh spot Sunderland are having a excellent return to the top flight post 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 yet to lose in the league at the Stadium of Light, which was filled with an feverish atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.

“These games are all about the victory, by hook or by crook,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team is worthy of more respect – where we are in the league is incredible and we're working really hard.”

Sunderland are also undefeated in their last 10 league games against Newcastle, their best-ever streak 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 “proud and happy” with the result.

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

“It's positive for the local community, 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.”