The Black Cats Stage Famous Magpies Team Photo In the Wake of Crucial Derby Victory.

An altered coaching staff and a largely changed squad – but someone at Sunderland wasn't going to forget.

Almost 24 months prior, 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.

On this occasion, the roles were turned on their head.

Nick Woltemade's mistake proved enough to deliver Sunderland a memorable win over their rivals in the return of the Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's celebratory snapshot at full-time.

“Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” remarked Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who proposed the photograph.

Defender Dan Ballard, who scored an own goal in that previous encounter, was the only Sunderland player to feature from the beginning in both games.

He disclosed how he desperately wanted to rectify the loss, stating: “You cannot describe [the feeling]. It was heartbreaking 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 improved ability in this team, real leaders, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.”

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

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

The Black Cats have 26 points in 16 games, their highest total 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 boasted 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 without a loss in their last 10 league games against Newcastle, their best-ever streak 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 expected [to win] of our fans,” he stated. “This win is rightfully earned, we were composed and the lads were superb.”

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