Sunderland 1-0 Newcastle: How Black Cats avenged humiliating photograph

Seventh-placed Sunderland are enjoying a spectacular return to the top flight after gaining promotion through the play-offs last season.

The Black Cats collected 26 points from 16 matches; this was their highest score at this stage of the Premier League since 2000–01 (also 26), when they finished seventh.

They are yet to lose in the league at Stadium Light, which had an exciting atmosphere for much of Sunday afternoon.

“You have to win derbies, it doesn’t matter how,” captain Granit Xhaka told Sky Sports.

“This team deserves so much more and deserves more respect because where we are in the league is amazing and we are working really hard.”

Sunderland are also unbeaten in their last 10 league games against Newcastle (seven wins and three draws), their longest run against the Magpies.

Newcastle’s last league win against Sunderland was in August 2011.

Le Bris told Sky Sports he was “proud and happy” with the result.

“This was a derby and we were expected” [to win] “From our fans,” he added. “We deserved this win, we were mature and the boys were incredible.

“It’s a good thing for the county, the club and the fans. We knew ahead of time that this was a special game but we need to reset quickly as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in a week’s time so let’s start again.”