Tuesday 4 November 2014 11:30, UK
Man of the match Steven Fletcher said Sunderland proved their quality during Monday’s 3-1 victory at Crystal Palace.
Sunderland were looking to end an amazing 12-year drought without a Monday night Premier League win and began the game in the drop zone, having followed an 8-0 humiliation at Southampton with a 2-0 loss to Arsenal.
But they finished the evening 15th in the standings, a Fletcher double and a Jordi Gomez strike helping them to overcome an unfortunate Wes Brown own goal, which had made it 1-1 approaching the hour mark.
“It was a massive game for us,” said Fletcher. “The three points is brilliant and the performance, especially from the back four, was fantastic.
“We just managed to get the goals at the end.
“We don’t listen to outside things. We know we have got a good team, we train every day, and we have shown tonight that we can put it on the pitch.
“We have another big game next week (at home to Everton on Sunday) before the international break. After getting these three points, we will have a good week in training.”
Sunderland were a little fortunate not to concede a penalty in the very first minute when Santiago Vergini seemed to trip Fraizer Campbell and Fletcher added: “We got away with one I think but it’s about time things went our way.”
John O’Shea thought the Black Cats deserved to claim all three points.
“It was all about the victory,” he said. “The big thing was to supply the front men that we have.
“Fletch was fantastic, he took his goals superbly, but, as a unit, I think we were a bit more solid.
“We were unfortunate with the goal we conceded. We probably switched off from a set-piece, which was disappointing but we reacted very well after that.
“Palace had probably five minutes when they were really on top but we got it down again and started to pass it.
“What a big three points for us, it gives us a bit of momentum, and hopefully puts the last couple of results out of everyone’s mind.
“I have to give (debutant) Anthony (Reveillere) a big mention. He was fantastic, to come in like that at full-back.”
