Sunderland Recreate Notorious Magpies Squad Picture After ‘Special’ Local Rivalry Win.

An altered coaching staff and a largely changed squad – but someone 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 Geordies commemorated the moment with a full squad photograph on the pitch.

On this occasion, the situation were reversed.

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 mimic Newcastle's iconic snapshot at full-time.

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

Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that cup defeat, was the sole Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in both games.

He revealed how he desperately wanted to rectify the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was agonizing for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're ecstatic with this win.”

“It served as motivation. We came in with more quality in this team, true characters, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”

‘Derbies you have to win, it does not matter how’

Seventh-placed Sunderland are having a superb return to the top flight following promotion via the play-offs last season.

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

They are undefeated in the league at the Stadium of Light, which boasted an incredible atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.

“Derbies, you have to win, it does not matter how,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team deserves much more – where we are in the league is incredible and we're working really hard.”

Sunderland are also undefeated 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 “delighted and satisfied” with the performance.

“It was a derby and we were carrying the hopes of our fans,” he continued. “This win is fully merited, we were composed and the lads were superb.”

“It's positive for the local community, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a special game, but we have to refocus immediately as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week.”