The Black Cats Stage Notorious Newcastle Group Snapshot Following Crucial Derby Victory.

A different manager and a vastly altered lineup – but someone at Sunderland remembered vividly.

Nearly two years ago, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the rivals celebrated with a full squad photograph on the pitch.

Now, the situation were turned on their head.

Nick Woltemade's own goal proved sufficient 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 celebratory snapshot at full-time.

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

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 each of the games.

He disclosed how he desperately wanted to make amends for the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was agonizing for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're ecstatic with this win.”

“It served as motivation. We came in with more quality in this team, true characters, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we merited the win.”

‘Local clashes are must-wins, by any means necessary’

Sitting in seventh Sunderland are having a superb return to the top flight after 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 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 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 longest such run without defeat against the Magpies.

Newcastle's last league win over Sunderland was over a decade ago.

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

“It was a derby and we were carrying the hopes of our fans,” he added. “This win is well deserved, we were mature 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 refocus immediately as we have another hard game in Brighton in one week.”