Sunderland matchwinner Ji Dong-won was thrilled with his late goal in victory over Manchester City.

Graciously, the striker preferred to deflect the spotlight onto his team-mates after the game and is hoping to use his goal as a platform to build on in the New Year.

"The game is over now, it is gone, but what came today was very pleasing for me," Dong-won told safc.com.

"But the result is important for the team, too - not just me. The win was a big reward for our hard work in not letting Manchester City score.

"They are one of the best teams in the league and to score the winning goal in the final minute is special.

"All the fans and my team-mates were so happy and that is number one for me.

"I have scored our first goal of 2012 so hopefully things can carry on going well in the coming year."