Saturday 9 May 2015 17:41, UK
Sunderland manager Dick Advocaat admitted his side rode their luck to secure an important 2-0 win at Everton.
Danny Graham's opener - his first in his 28-month spell at the club - had a huge slice of fortune as the striker deflected in Jordi Gomez's shot while the second saw Jermain Defoe divert in Adam Johnson's deflected strike.
But what was important for the Black Cats was a vital win which lifted them to 36 points, with fellow strugglers Leicester to visit the Stadium of Light next weekend.
"We were lucky today. At some moments they outplayed us but our back five including the goalkeeper did really well," said Advocaat.
"Some other players played well last week but they had more problems with Everton, but at the end of the day we got three points and I try to forget the nature of things.
"It was not a great game by our side but at the other end it was very effective and that is what counts.
"It is not only luck, they worked very hard. The defence stood behind us and if you have the commitment to give everything even against a better team, you can get results."
Advocaat once more selected three up front, with Defoe and Connor Wickham either side of Graham, and it paid off again.
The defence stood behind us and if you have the commitment to give everything even against a better team, you can get results
"I like that. I think if we play three up front the defence line from the other side has to be careful as well," he added.
"I told our players 'You are three well-known players, show it today, make them a little bit nervous'. We didn't create a lot but they know if someone is open then you can do it."
Sunderland have taken 10 points from the six matches Advocaat has been in charge but he admits the relegation battle is not something he particularly enjoys.
"I still enjoy it the other way (challenging at the top end of the table), if you don't mind," he added.
"I just came to this club seven weeks ago. The club took a risk as well and hopefully we will do the job properly and we can be happy at the end (of the season)."
