Sunderland Stage Famous Newcastle Squad Picture Following ‘Special’ Derby Victory.

A different manager and an almost completely different team – but those involved at Sunderland had a long memory.

Nearly two years ago, after a comprehensive Magpies victory at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the rivals commemorated the moment with a group photo on the pitch.

On this occasion, the situation were flipped.

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

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

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

He disclosed how he was determined to avenge the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was agonizing 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, strong personalities, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”

‘Derbies you have to win, it does not matter how’

Sitting in seventh Sunderland are having a excellent return to the top flight after promotion via the play-offs last season.

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

“These games are all about the victory, by hook or by crook,” 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 unbeaten 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 result.

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

“It's good for the region, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a unique game, but we have to refocus immediately as we have another hard game in Brighton in one week.”