Sunderland Recreate Iconic Magpies Team Photo After Pivotal Derby Win.

New leadership and a largely changed squad – but those involved at Sunderland remembered vividly.

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

This time, the script were turned on their head.

Nick Woltemade's mistake proved enough to deliver Sunderland a historic win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to stage their own version of Newcastle's iconic snapshot at full-time.

“Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who proposed the idea.

Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that cup defeat, was the sole Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in both games.

He revealed how he was eager to avenge 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 overjoyed with this win.”

“It prepared us more for today. We came in with more quality in this team, true characters, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.”

‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’

Occupying seventh spot Sunderland are enjoying a superb return to the top flight post promotion via the play-offs last season.

The Black Cats have a tally of 26 points in 16 games, their most 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 electric atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.

“In local rivalry matches, the result is everything, the performance secondary,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team is worthy of more respect – where we are in the league is amazing and we're working really hard.”

Sunderland are also without a loss 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 “delighted and satisfied” with the outcome.

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

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