The Black Cats Stage Notorious Newcastle Squad Picture In the Wake of Pivotal Derby Triumph.

An altered coaching staff and a largely changed squad – but the club at Sunderland wasn't going to forget.

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 team picture on the pitch.

This time, the script were reversed.

Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved sufficient to deliver Sunderland a historic win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time.

“Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” smiled 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 only Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in both games.

He revealed how he was determined to make amends for the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're ecstatic with this win.”

“That experience hardened us. We came in with improved ability in this team, strong personalities, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we deserved 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 post 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 had an feverish atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.

“Derbies, you have to win, it does not matter how,” 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 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 back in August 2011.

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

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

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