Resilience plays vital part in the Black Cats' game plan

REGIS Le Bris was pleased with Sunderland's resilience on the road to earn their first away point this season with a goalless draw against Crystal Palace.

- CLIVE YOULTON Football writer clive.youlton@reachplccom

Just one defeat in the opening four Premier League matches represents a solid start for the newly-promoted Black Cats in a division that is often unforgiving to teams coming up from the Championship.

They went to an inform team in Palace, who have a long unbeaten run stretching back to the end of last season, and while Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs had to be in fine form to keep the hosts out, Le Bris’ side did well to frustrate the Eagles.

The Sunderland chief, pictured right, said: “It was a tough challenge away here at Crystal Palace. We knew they had started the season well.

“Even if they hadn't beaten strong teams at the beginning, they were really strong, and last season they finished really well, so it is a good point for us. It is important, but we need good players to be at that level in the Premier League. Our resilience is a really important part of our game.