Today’s column comes from Gareth Barker.

They might say that we didn’t play very well, yet somehow managed to sneak a result.

I’d argue that Gus Poyet took to preparations for Monday night with trowel in hand, hoping to fill the gaps in the crumbling wall that is Sunderland’s season.

After a difficult day at Southampton and a home defeat to Arsenal that was riddled with errors, Sunderland needed to get back to basics at Selhurst Park.

It wasn’t pretty, but the lads returned to Wearside with three points in the bag.

The win was vitally important. Especially with the run of fixtures to come. But we came through a big test on Monday night.

The desire, resolve and determination that had been regularly questioned over the last two or three weeks was tested and Sunderland came through it with flying colours.

You can read the rest of the article here.