Steven Fletcher: "The level of confidence we displayed against City was a result of the way we performed a few days previously against Southampton.
"Football is like that. All of a sudden there is a bit of confidence and belief amongst the boys.
"We got the points against City and nobody can say we didn't deserve them.
"Hopefully it's an omen and we can keep that sort of performance going and, more importantly, that sort of run of results.
"The manager wants us to keep the ball a lot more and we know if we do that we are not going to get rolled over by other teams.
"We have done that a lot more in our last couple of games and we've got some decent results with those tactics.
"It's been great for myself under the new boss. I've had a few problems with injuries and he has looked after me, so I'm very grateful. He is enthusiastic and he comes in with a smile, as do his assistants.
"It's good to see that at the training ground every day and does help because it gives everyone a lift.
"We have shown we know how to pass the ball about. Look at Wes Brown at the back.
"He's one of the best passers of a ball I've played with. He was fantastic against City and showed what a great defender he is.
"Wes won everything there is to win at Manchester United. He has showed in just a couple of games that he is just class.
"He would be very important to any side, so we have to hope he can enjoy a string of games because he would make a difference to any team at any level."
PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES ...
Saturday November 23
12:45 Everton v Liverpool
15:00 Arsenal v Southampton
15:00 Fulham v Swansea City
15:00 Hull City v Crystal Palace
15:00 Newcastle United v Norwich City
15:00 Stoke City v Sunderland
17:30 West Ham United v Chelsea
Sunday November 24
13:30 Manchester City v Tottenham
16:00 Cardiff City v Man Utd
Monday November 25
20:00 West Brom v Aston Villa
Sunderland Fixtures
Saturday November 23
15:00 Premier League Stoke City v Sunderland
Saturday November 30
15:00 Premier League Aston Villa v Sunderland
Wednesday December 4
19:45 Premier League Sunderland v Chelsea
Saturday December 7
17:30 Premier League Sunderland v Tottenham
Saturday December 14
15:00 Premier League West Ham United v Sunderland
Tuesday December 17
19:45 League Cup - Qtr Sunderland v Chelsea
Saturday December 21
15:00 Premier League Sunderland v Norwich City
Thursday December 26
15:00 Premier League Everton v Sunderland
Saturday December 28
17:30 Premier League Cardiff City v Sunderland