Seventh-placed Sunderland are enjoying a superb return to the top flight following promotion via the play-offs last season.
The Black Cats have 26 points in 16 games, their most at this stage of a Premier League campaign since 2000-01 (also 26), when they went on to finish seventh.
They are yet to lose in the league at the Stadium Light, which had an electric atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.
“Derbies, you have to win, it does not matter how,” said captain Granit Xhaka to Sky Sports.
“This team deserves much more – and more respect as 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 (seven wins and three draws), their longest such run against the Magpies.
Newcastle’s last league win over Sunderland was back in August 2011.
Le Bris told Sky Sports he was “proud and happy” with the result.
“It was a derby and we were expected [to win] by our fans,” he added. “This win is well deserved, we were mature and the lads were incredible.
“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.”
