Sunderland Mimic Famous Magpies Squad Picture After Crucial Derby Win.

An altered coaching staff and a largely changed squad – but someone at Sunderland had a long memory.

Nearly two years ago, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies commemorated the moment with a team picture on the pitch.

On this occasion, the roles were reversed.

Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved sufficient to hand Sunderland a memorable 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.

“Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who suggested the photograph.

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

He revealed how he was determined to rectify 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.”

“That experience hardened us. 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.”

‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’

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

The Black Cats have 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 was filled with an electric atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.

“These games are all about the victory, by hook or by crook,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team deserves much more – where we are in the league is amazing 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 all the way back in 2011.

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

“It was a derby and we were carrying the hopes of our fans,” he stated. “This win is well deserved, we were mature and the lads were outstanding.”

“It's good for the area, 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.”