Sunderland Mimic Iconic Newcastle Team Photo In the Wake of Pivotal Derby Triumph.

An altered coaching staff and a largely changed squad – but the club at Sunderland remembered vividly.

Nearly two years ago, 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 script were flipped.

Nick Woltemade's mistake proved decisive to deliver Sunderland a long-awaited win over their rivals in the return of the Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to recreate Newcastle's post-match snapshot at full-time.

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

Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the sole Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in the two games.

He disclosed how he was determined to avenge 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 overjoyed with this win.”

“That experience hardened us. We came in with improved ability in this team, true characters, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we merited 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 following 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 was filled with 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 is worthy of more respect – where we are in the league is amazing and we're working really hard.”

Sunderland are also unbeaten 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 “delighted and satisfied” with the outcome.

“It was a derby and we were carrying the hopes of our fans,” he stated. “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 reset quickly as we have another hard game in Brighton in one week.”