The Black Cats Recreate Famous Newcastle Group Snapshot After Crucial Local Rivalry Win.

An altered coaching staff and a largely changed squad – 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 rivals commemorated the moment with a full squad photograph on the pitch.

Now, the script were reversed.

Nick Woltemade's mistake proved sufficient to give Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to stage their own version of Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time.

“Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who suggested the idea.

Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that cup defeat, was the lone Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in each of the games.

He explained how he was eager to make amends for the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was heartbreaking 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, strong personalities, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.”

‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’

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 26 points on the board 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 boasted an electric atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.

“Derbies, you have to win, it does not matter how,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team merits greater recognition – where we are in the league is amazing and we're working really hard.”

Sunderland are also unbeaten 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 back in August 2011.

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

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

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