Sunderland Mimic Famous Newcastle Team Photo After Crucial Derby Victory.

New leadership 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 rivals celebrated with a group photo on the pitch.

This time, the roles were flipped.

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

“Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when questioned about who came up with the gesture.

Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that 2024 FA Cup tie, was the only Sunderland player to start in both games.

He disclosed how he was eager to make amends for the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're overjoyed with this win.”

“It served as motivation. We came in with improved ability in this team, strong personalities, we persevered, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”

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

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

The Black Cats have a tally of 26 points in 16 games, their best return 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.

“These games are all about the victory, by hook or by crook,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team deserves much more – 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 “extremely pleased” with the result.

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

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