Sunderland Recreate Iconic Newcastle Group Snapshot Following Pivotal Derby Victory.

New leadership and a vastly altered lineup – but someone 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 Geordies commemorated the moment with a team picture on the pitch.

On this occasion, the roles were flipped.

Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved enough to hand Sunderland a long-awaited win over their rivals in the first 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 pressed about who came up with the photograph.

Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that cup defeat, was the sole Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in the two games.

He explained how he desperately wanted 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 let them down, so we're delighted with this win.”

“That experience hardened us. We came in with more quality in this team, strong personalities, we persevered, 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 enjoying a outstanding return to the top flight post promotion via the play-offs last season.

The Black Cats have 26 points on the board in 16 games, their most 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 had an incredible atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.

“These games are all about the victory, by hook or by crook,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team merits greater recognition – where we are in the league is incredible and we're working really hard.”

Sunderland are also undefeated 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 performance.

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

“It's fantastic for the local community, 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.”