Sam Allardyce: Extraordinary and nerve-wracking win for Sunderland

By James Walker-Roberts

Sunday 8 May 2016 11:32, UK

Sam Allardyce hailed an "extraordinary" comeback as Sunderland moved out of the Premier League relegation zone with a 3-2 victory over Chelsea on Saturday.

Having trailed 2-1 at the break, the Black Cats fought back with two goals in under three minutes from Fabio Borini and Jermain Defoe.

They will now be assured of their top-flight status if they beat Everton in midweek - a game that will be shown live on Sky Sports 1HD.

"It was extraordinary and nerve wracking," Allardyce told Sky Sports. "A wonderful comeback and result, particularly in the circumstances.

"Our destiny is in our hands and a win against a very good side Everton will secure our Premier League future. Hopefully we can achieve it, it will be difficult but we have an opportunity to do it."

Sunderland suffered a setback right on the stroke of half-time as Nemanja Matic scored to put the visitors 2-1 ahead.

But they battled back impressively in the second half, with Allardyce saying: "We switched off just before half-time and it was about picking the lads up in the dressing room to say let's not waste what we have done.

"Let's get ourselves back in the game because if we continue to show the passion and desire to shut Chelsea down as we did in the first half with a bit more quality, then we will get chances.

"In the second half we caused Chelsea problems and there was clinical finishing which we have been waiting for for a while."

With their destiny in their own hands, Allardyce urged Sunderland supporters to again get behind the team in their final home game of the season against the Toffees.

"We will be a little bit nervous and we will need the fans to get behind us like they did today to push us over the line," he said.

"We knew this game was a sellout and the fans really played their part. The atmosphere was electric and it has brought the best out of our players."