After Regis le Bris' team won promotion from the Championship play-offs, the Tyne-Wear derby was back on for the first time since 2015-16.
Sunderland have had an excellent campaign, including a 1-0 win over Newcastle in December, but this may be the best moment of the season for the Black Cats fans.
Newcastle have now not won a league game against their bitter rivals in 13 attempts.
Despite going into the break a goal behind, Sunderland had shown they were dangerous when Chemsdine Talbi's superb curling effort from 25 yards was pushed over the bar by Aaron Ramsdale.
But with Brian Brobbey a constant handful for the Newcastle defence, the visitors piled on the pressure and got an equaliser.
The expected Newcastle response did not materalise, with Granit Xhaka having a shot deflected over, Sadiki seeing an effort saved and Brobbey having an attempt blocked by Malick Thiaw.
In the end, Sunderland got their rewards with a result that takes them up to 43 points, guaranteeing their Premier League survival.
However, with seven games to go, they will be wondering just how high could they end up. A push for European football, although unlikely, could still be on the cards in a wonderful season.
