The Black Cats Mimic Notorious Newcastle Team Photo After Crucial Local Rivalry Win.

An altered coaching staff and a vastly altered lineup – but the club 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 Geordies celebrated with a full squad photograph on the pitch.

This time, the roles were flipped.

Nick Woltemade's own goal proved decisive to give Sunderland a long-awaited win over their rivals in the return of the Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to recreate Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time.

“Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who suggested the photograph.

Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that cup defeat, was the sole Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in both games.

He disclosed how he desperately wanted to rectify the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was agonizing for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're overjoyed with this win.”

“It served as motivation. We came in with more quality 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’

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 on the board 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 boasted 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 merits greater recognition – where we are in the league is remarkable 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 back in August 2011.

Manager Regis le Bris said he was “proud and happy” with the result.

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

“It's good for the region, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a unique game, but we have to refocus immediately as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.”