"To concede just on half time was a hammer blow for us," Keane told Sky Sports News after the match.
"At half time we questionned the players and asked them how much they wanted it and how badly they wanted to get back into the game. They came out and we were outstanding in the second half.
"It was a good reflection on the players, particularly the two lads up front who are getting a new partnership together.
"As a manager of a football club I have to stir things up sometimes and I did that at half time and I got a good reaction.
"We had great support behind the goal and it was great that we scored our goals in front of them and hopefully it will be a happy trip home for the Sunderland fans. They have been fantastic for us."