Sunderland escaped relegation once again after defeating Everton 3-0 at Stadium of Light on Wednesday night which clearly delighted manager Sam Allardyce.

While Allardyce feels a club like Sunderland should not be constantly celebrating survival, he was happy to prove his predecessor Dick Advocaat wrong after the Dutchman, who left the Stadium of Light in October, predicted that the Black Cats were doomed for relegation.

"What was sweet was proving Dick wrong. I've got the utmost respect for Dick Advocaat but I used that as motivation for the players," Allardyce said.

However, he reserved praise for Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez for his efforts at Tyne-Wear rivals Newcastle United who were relegated in the wake of Sunderland's win.

When asked if condemning his rival to relegation was satisfying, he said: "Not really, no.

"It's not Rafa's fault, he's made a valiant effort, he's not lost in five games now – but we've lost only once in 10."