The Black Cats Recreate Notorious Newcastle Squad Picture Following Crucial Local Rivalry Win.

A different manager and a vastly altered lineup – but someone at Sunderland remembered vividly.

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 roles were flipped.

Nick Woltemade's own goal proved decisive to deliver Sunderland a memorable 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,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked 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 each of the games.

He disclosed how he was eager to rectify the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had let them down, so we're ecstatic with this win.”

“It prepared us more for today. We came in with improved ability in this team, true characters, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.”

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

Sitting in seventh Sunderland are experiencing 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 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 was filled with an incredible 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 remarkable and we're working really hard.”

Sunderland are also without a loss 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 “extremely pleased” with the outcome.

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

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