Sunderland Mimic Famous Magpies Squad Picture After Pivotal Local Rivalry Victory.

A different manager and a vastly altered lineup – but those involved at Sunderland wasn't going to forget.

Nearly two years ago, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the rivals celebrated with a team picture on the pitch.

Now, the script were flipped.

Nick Woltemade's unfortunate deflection proved enough to give Sunderland a long-awaited win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time.

“Consistently original, imaginative, versatile,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who proposed the gesture.

Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that cup defeat, was the only Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in both 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 let them down, so we're delighted with this win.”

“That experience hardened us. We came in with greater talent in this team, strong personalities, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”

‘Rivalry games demand victory, regardless of the performance’

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 on the board in 16 games, their best return 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 boasted an feverish atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.

“In local rivalry matches, the result is everything, the performance secondary,” 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 without a loss in their last 10 league games against Newcastle, their best-ever streak without defeat against the Magpies.

Newcastle's last league win over Sunderland was over a decade ago.

Manager Regis le Bris said he was “extremely pleased” with the performance.

“It was a derby and we were carrying the hopes of our fans,” he added. “This win is rightfully earned, we were mature and the lads were superb.”

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