Dick Advocaat has admitted that Everton were the "better side" despite Sunderland picking up a win at Goodison Park this afternoon.

Second-half goals from Danny Graham and Jermain Defoe handed the Black Cats all three points, moving them away from the relegation zone into 16th.

The Sunderland manager told BBC Sport: "It was good we won, it was not our best game but it was effective. It could be very important.

"Everton were the better side but it is all about winning, give 100% and show the fans what they want and that is what we did. They gave everything, they all want to stay up and the fans were great. They give the players something extra."

Sunderland are two points clear of the bottom three with a game in hand on three of the four sides below them.