Martin O'Neill: "We were the better side"

Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill has claimed that his side were the deserving winners of their FA Cup showdown with Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium last night.

Lukas Jutkiewicz's second-half strike tied the score after Jack Colback beat Boro keeper Jason Steele to break the deadlock before the half. However, with minutes to go in extra time, Stephane Sessegnon's effort ensured the visitors would progress to the next round.

"I think that Stephane is an outstanding player and I am delighted," O'Neill said after the match. "He is really great and he hasn't missed a game this season.

"Jack Colback scored a terrific goal and he was brilliant for us and Craig Gardner was terrific as well.

"I thought this game was going to be hard and so it proved to be. Over the two games, I thought we were the better side."

Meanwhile, Sunderland welcome Arsenal to the Stadium of Light this weekend.