Jermain Defoe hailed Sunderland’s energy levels following Monday’s 2-2 draw against Liverpool.
The Reds took the lead on two occasions at the Stadium of Light but the Black Cats refused to be beaten, with Defoe netting two penalties to secure a valuable Premier League point.
It was a controversial afternoon on Wearside and Sunderland could and possibly should have had another penalty when Emre Can handled Adnan Januzaj’s cross.
But speaking post-match Defoe was delighted to draw, and he praised his team-mates’ terrific work ethic.
“It was a massive point,” said the scorer. “We knew it was going to be a tough game but I thought we needed a reaction from the game against Burnley because we weren’t happy about that.
“I thought our energy levels were spot on so credit to the boys because two games in three days is never easy, so to put in a performance like that and press how we did was good.”
He continued: “Liverpool are probably one of the best teams [in terms of pressing] and if you look at the running stats they’re always up there, but when you’re at home you have to be confident and I thought we could have nicked it.
“They’re a good team so to get a point was massive; the fans were brilliant and we pushed and worked hard together which was important, and we got the point in the end.
“No [there was never any doubt from the penalty spot], but it helps when you’ve scored your previous penalties because that gives you confidence when you step up.
“I’ve always said that if you work hard you get luck and we got that with the penalties, but I thought we deserved that because we worked so hard.
“To get a point against Liverpool is always good.”