Donald Love reserved special praise to Sunderland’s backroom staff following a hectic schedule in the Premier League.
With three matches in seven days David Moyes’ side have been pushed to the limits as they look to climb the table.
While a frustrating afternoon was experienced in soggy South Wales against Swansea City on Saturday 10 December, the Black Cats produced a spirited display as they looked to put that behind them when table-toppers Chelsea came to the Stadium of Light on Wednesday.
Despite Sunderland's best efforts though the same outcome hit Moyes’ players as the one suffered at the Liberty stadium – defeat.
However, steely grit and determination played its part on Saturday as Moyes’ injury-ravaged squad produced a solid display to earn a crucial three points against Watford in their second home match in four days.
“Credit to the medical staff because we got the players back,” Love told safc.com.
“The lads have played three 90 minutes in the space of a week and I think I was one of the only ones with cramp at the end which was a bit embarrassing.
“The lads did well though and got through the game with no serious injuries.
“It’s great to be back and help the lads to their second Premier League clean sheet of the season. We defended well from the front with Jermain (Defoe) and all the Lads worked together.”
He continued: “It’s beginning to come together.”
