Sunderland hilariously mock bitter rivals Newcastle with team selfie on the pitch in front of their jubilant fans after clinching derby victory

Sunderland were able to get their long-awaited revenge on derby rivals Newcastle as they posed for a pointed picture in front of their home fans after recording their first top-flight derby win this decade.

The Black Cats fought fiercely at the Stadium of Light to defend their slim lead, after visiting striker Nick Woltemade's accidental headed own goal put them 1-0 up at the start of the second-half.

The Wearside club have not played their Tyneside rivals in league action since 2016, but remain unbeaten by them in their last 10 league meetings after Regis Le Bris' players dogged held off a frustrated Newcastle side.

After the final whistle, home fans stayed to celebrate the victory in the high-stakes fixture, and after singing along with their supporters to Elvis Presley's Can't Help Falling in Love, the players and club staff posed for a picture on the pitch.

But rather than simply commemorating the happy moment, Sunderland's decision to take the snap may have had additional, more pointed meaning.

Just under two years ago, the two teams met in FA Cup action, with Newcastle running out the 3-0 winners in the away fixture.

Sunderland players and club staff posed in front of their fans after claiming their derby win

After Newcastle provided a freak own goal in the second-half the Black Cats successfully held on to their lead

Eddie Howe and Co then remained on the pitch to pose for a group photograph in front of the travelling fans , much to the displeasure of their hosts.

Defender Dan Ballard referenced that defeat when talking to Sky Sports after the final whistle, revealing that the team had used their pain to foster the right mentality ahead of the clash.

'You cannot describe (the feeling),' Ballard said of winning the derby. 'It was so painful (losing 3-0 at home in January 2024) for the players and for the fans so we felt we had let them down so we're delighted with this win.

'It prepared us more for today. We came in with more quality in this team, real leaders, we stuck in there, fought really hard and I thought we deserved the win.

'There was not much in the game in terms of chances. When you go a goal ahead it's about game management and I thought we did that very well - the boys were brilliant.'

Manager Le Bris seconded his player's statement, adding that the team were playing with the 'expectation' of claiming all three points.

'Proud and happy. It was a derby and we were expected (to win) by our fans,' he said. 'This win is well deserved, we were mature and the lads were incredible.

'During the first half tactically it was really good, just small details about the shape, then it was a question of being more clinical in the final third. We had good control and some times were more patient.

Just under two years ago, Newcastle posed triumphantly in front of the visiting fans at the Stadium of Light

Home fans eagerly awaiting the first league derby in nearly 10 years were richly rewarded

'It was a good level of maturity, so happy for the lads and it is good for our fans.

'It's good for the region, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a special game but we have to reset quickly as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week so let's go again.'

Sunderland look set to face off with Newcastle in at least a few more league derbies against their loathed rivals after the promoted team's impressive return to the top flight.

The Black Cats sit seventh in the standings, level on points with Liverpool and Crystal Palace - and four points ahead of their black-and-white rivals.