Sunderland Mimic Notorious Magpies Group Snapshot After Pivotal Derby Win.

New leadership and a largely changed squad – but those involved at Sunderland wasn't going to forget.

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

On this occasion, the roles were turned on their head.

Nick Woltemade's mistake proved decisive to hand 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 iconic snapshot at full-time.

“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who proposed the photograph.

Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that previous encounter, was the only Sunderland player to start in both games.

He disclosed how he was determined to avenge 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.”

“That experience hardened us. We came in with greater talent in this team, real leaders, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.”

‘Derbies you have to win, it does not matter how’

Sitting in seventh Sunderland are enjoying a outstanding 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 undefeated in the league at the Stadium of Light, which boasted an incredible atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.

“In local rivalry matches, the result is everything, the performance secondary,” 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 undefeated 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 back in August 2011.

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

“It was a derby and we were expected [to win] of our fans,” he continued. “This win is rightfully earned, we were composed and the lads were incredible.”

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