The Black Cats Stage Notorious Magpies Group Snapshot After ‘Special’ Derby Triumph.

An altered coaching staff and a vastly altered lineup – but someone at Sunderland remembered vividly.

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 full squad photograph on the pitch.

Now, the situation were flipped.

Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved decisive to hand 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.

“Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who came up with the photograph.

Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that cup defeat, was the lone Sunderland player to start in both games.

He disclosed how he was determined to avenge the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're ecstatic with this win.”

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

‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’

Seventh-placed Sunderland are experiencing a outstanding return to the top flight following promotion via the play-offs last season.

The Black Cats have 26 points in 16 games, their best return at this stage of a Premier League campaign since 2000-01.

They are undefeated 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 remarkable 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 all the way back in 2011.

Manager Regis le Bris said he was “delighted and satisfied” with the performance.

“It was a derby and we were under pressure to deliver of our fans,” he added. “This win is fully merited, we were mature and the lads were incredible.”

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