The Black Cats Stage Iconic Magpies Squad Picture In the Wake of Pivotal Derby Win.

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

Nearly two years ago, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the visitors marked the occasion with a full squad photograph on the pitch.

This time, the roles were reversed.

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

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

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

He disclosed how he was eager to avenge the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're ecstatic with this win.”

“It prepared us more for today. 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’

Occupying seventh spot Sunderland are experiencing 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 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.

“Derbies, you have to win, it does not matter how,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team is worthy of more respect – where we are in the league is remarkable and we're working really hard.”

Sunderland are also without a loss 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 “proud and happy” with the outcome.

“It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he continued. “This win is well deserved, we were mature and the lads were superb.”

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