Dick Advocaat was of the belief that Sunderland's performance against Tottenham on Sunday at least warranted a point.

The Black Cats were beaten only by Ryan Mason's 82nd-minute goal at the Stadium of Light to slump to their third defeat of the new Premier League season which is now five games old.

After the match, the Dutchman spoke of his side's improved showing which unfortunately was not enough to land the Wearsiders a much-needed point.

"It's a disappointing result, but not disappointing the way we played. You could see a big difference in the approach to the game of our team.

"But you are playing against a very good side like Spurs, a lot of good individuals, and the few chances you get, you have to score a goal out of that.

"I think we deserved more than nothing, but you don't always get what you deserve. I have also said to the players, 'This game, we have to take the positive things out of it. If you give this spirit, it will get you points as well'.

"I think the crowd liked the way we played. It's a really attractive way of playing, only we did not get the points we deserved.

"Again with all respect to Spurs - they have a really good side, but I think one point was for us a good result."