Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio spoke highly of his sides character after they came from behind with ten men to hold Stoke City to a 1-1 draw tonight.
The Black Cats conceded inside ten minute when Jon Walters forced home from close range before Craig Gardner was sent off for a studs-up challenge on Charlie Adam in the 34th minute.
The one-man disadvantage brought about a steely resolve from Sunderland, who equalised through John O'Shea in the 63rd minute, prompting positive words from Di Canio.
"I'm very happy with the way we were after the first half when Craig was sent off," he told Sky Sports 1.
"It was a tough moment for us. At the end, the second half and the last 15 mins of the first half, I saw the team I wanted to see, playing football with enthusiasm and character.
"It is obvious that we had to stop what we did last week (6-1 loss to Aston Villa)."
Sunderland are now placed 15th on the Premier League table with two matches remaining and are three points clear of 17th-placed Wigan Athletic who have a game in hand.
