Sunderland Stage Iconic Newcastle Group Snapshot Following Crucial Derby Triumph.

An altered coaching staff and a vastly altered lineup – but someone at Sunderland had a long memory.

Nearly two years ago, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies marked the occasion with a group photo on the pitch.

Now, the situation were reversed.

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

“Forever inventive, resourceful, flexible,” smiled Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when pressed about who suggested the idea.

Defender Dan Ballard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal in that previous encounter, was the sole Sunderland player to be in the starting XI in the two games.

He revealed how he desperately wanted to rectify the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was so painful for the players and for the fans. We felt we had disappointed them, so we're delighted with this win.”

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

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

Occupying seventh spot 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 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.

“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 amazing and we're working really hard.”

Sunderland are also undefeated 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 result.

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

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