Old fashioned grit and steel can once again be the ingredients for success according to Sunderland midfielder Lee Cattermole.
The 28-year-old returned to action against Tottenham Hotspur before featuring at Queens Park Rangers, and on both occasions his presence gave the Black Cats a visible lift.
On Saturday David Moyes’ side will attempt to build on a 2-1 EFL Cup win at Loftus Road with high-flying Crystal Palace travelling to the Stadium of Light.
And although Cattermole reserved praise for the Eagles’ glittering forward line, he explained why now is the opportune time to move forward and up the Premier League table.
“It [the catalyst to kick on] starts from last weekend against Tottenham Hotspur,” explained Cattermole. “They had a lot of attempts but a lot of them were from outside the box and they’re always going to have a lot of possession, but we took our attitude and commitment into Wedneday.
“We had a bit of grit and a bit of steel and we have to build on that by raising the bar and setting the standard each week.”
He continued: “Crystal Palace have bundles of experience and if you look at the investment they’ve made over the past few years you can see they have a strong side.
“The front three of four players are all pacey and very dangerous so we have to be alert, but I think it’s important that we start well and give the crowd something to get off their seats for.
“If we keep showing the right attitude and work hard – with and without the ball – while believing and taking the messages from the manager on board, I’m confident we will turn it around.”
Match betting odds with Dafabet
Jermain Defoe to score two or more NOW 12/1 (was 10/1)
Duncan Watmore to score anytime NOW 11/1 (was 17/2)
Sunderland to win and over 2.5 goals NOW 13/2 (was 5/1)
Sunderland to win 1-0 NOW 9/1 (was 7/1)
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