Jermain Defoe was over the moon after playing a key role in Sunderland's survival.

The former Tottenham striker joined the Black Cats from Toronto FC in January and on Wednesday night, spent time playing as a left-back against Arsenal to ensure his side managed a 0-0 draw to keep their spot in the Premier League for a ninth-straight season.

"It's a case of grafting for the team - at times you've got to do things you've never done before," he said.

"It's all about getting the results, and when that final whistle went you can imagine the feeling. Everyone has worked so hard.

"We knew when we came here it was going to be difficult. They keep the ball well, good movement, discipline, so it's fantastic.

"It (the relegation battle) has been scary to be honest. You try to be relaxed and approach it like every other game but you're just crying out for the final whistle.

"I thought everyone was fantastic tonight. We needed the result and we got it under a lot of pressure so credit to the boys."