Sunderland Mimic Notorious Magpies Team Photo In the Wake of Pivotal Derby Triumph.

New leadership and a largely changed squad – but the club at Sunderland wasn't going to forget.

Almost 24 months prior, 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.

Now, the roles were reversed.

Nick Woltemade's own goal proved enough to deliver Sunderland a historic win over their rivals in the return of the Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to recreate Newcastle's iconic snapshot at full-time.

“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who proposed the photograph.

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

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

“It prepared us more for today. We came in with greater talent in this team, true characters, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”

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

Sitting in seventh Sunderland are enjoying a outstanding return to the top flight following 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 had an electric atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.

“In local rivalry matches, the result is everything, the performance secondary,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team is worthy of more respect – where we are in the league is incredible 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 “extremely pleased” with the result.

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

“It's good for the local community, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a unique game, but we have to reset quickly as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.”