Fulham defender Aaron Hughes was delighted with their battling win at Sunderland.
Pajtim Kasami struck the only goal for the game.
Hughes told Fulham's official website: "It wasn't vintage from us and I wouldn't put it down as one of our best performances but in terms of being resolute and strong and showing lots of character it is up there.
"To come up here in the first game of the season and come away with the three points is a big achievement. It's a confidence-booster for us and we look forward to doing it again next week."
