Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce has suggested that his side were rewarded for their patience after claiming a late win over Stoke City this afternoon.
The Black Cats were made to wait until the 82nd minute before Patrick van Aanholt could break down the defence of 10-men Stoke, while Duncan Watmore added a second goal three minutes later, lifting Allardyce's new side above the relegation zone.
Today's victory was Sunderland's second in a week following their 1-0 win at Crystal Palace on Monday, and Allardyce believes that his team are beginning to get to grips with the task ahead.
"We had to be patient, and that patience in the end paid off as we produced a moment of outstanding quality when we needed it," Allardyce told BBC Sport.
"The quality we showed to break down Stoke's resolute defence - they come here with four games on the trot without conceding a goal - and they've gone down to 10 men, we've managed to beat them with a bit of quality and a bit of patience.
"We're understanding what we need to do now. The experience in the squad is coming to the forefront in terms of how we need to play to get out of the position we are in - it's looking okay."
Sunderland will take on Arsenal in their next Premier League fixture on December 5.
Stephen Topping
