Sunderland Recreate Iconic Newcastle Team Photo In the Wake of ‘Special’ Local Rivalry Triumph.

An altered coaching staff and an almost completely different team – but someone at Sunderland wasn't going to forget.

Almost 24 months prior, after Newcastle's thumping 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies marked the occasion with a team picture on the pitch.

This time, the situation were flipped.

Nick Woltemade's own goal proved enough to hand Sunderland a long-awaited win over their rivals in the inaugural Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's iconic snapshot at full-time.

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

Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that cup defeat, was the lone Sunderland player to start in the two games.

He explained how he was eager to rectify the loss, stating: “It's indescribable. It was so painful for the players and for the fans. We felt we had let them down, so we're ecstatic with this win.”

“It served as motivation. We came in with improved ability in this team, strong personalities, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we merited the win.”

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

Sitting in seventh Sunderland are experiencing a superb return to the top flight post promotion via the play-offs last season.

The Black Cats have a tally of 26 points in 16 games, their highest total at this stage of a Premier League campaign since 2000-01.

They are still unbeaten in the league at the Stadium of Light, which had an electric atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.

“Derbies, you have to win, it does not matter how,” 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 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 carrying the hopes of our fans,” he added. “This win is well deserved, we were mature and the lads were superb.”

“It's positive 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.”