O´Neill relieved to repel Swansea

Sunderland boss Martin O’Neill paid tribute to his men after they returned to the winners list courtesy of a 2-0 home win over Swansea.

Fantastic goals from Stephane Sessegnon and Craig Gardner wrapped up all three points for O’Neill’s team, and the Northern Irishman was delighted to bounce back from last Saturday’s 1-0 loss to Chelsea with a win against a spirited Swansea team.

“It was a difficult afternoon for us,” O’Neill said. “Swansea are a very fine footballing side and they came here with plenty of confidence.”

“They caused us problems in terms of possession but the win for us was the most important issue and two great goals decided the game.”

“I am delighted with the determination the team have shown. I think that everything caught up with us today in terms of the amount of matches and the intensity of those matches.”

“Deep down for all their possession Swansea had, they had a great chance before we scored and a free-kick that caused us a problem but other than that we were pretty resolute.”

O’Neill also said he is hopeful of convincing the homesick Gardner to remain with the club.

Gardner was born in Solihull in the West Midlands, but after his late wonder strike wrapped up the three points for his side, O’Neill said he wants the 25-year-old to stay on Wearside.

“Craig has become a bit of a favourite here and that isn’t just to do with his goal,” O’Neill said.

“We know his capabilities and no one wants him to leave the club and I am hoping that homesickness is something that he can look at in a month or two or a year or two or perhaps a decade or two.”

“At this moment there is no concrete offer. There is interest from other Premier League teams in around that area but there has been nothing concrete and we wouldn’t want him to be leaving.”

Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers said he was happy with the endeavour of his side, but conceded he was disappointed to come away from the Stadium of Light with nothing to show for their efforts.

“In terms of result, (I’m) obviously disappointed,” Rodgers told Sky Sports.

“But, performance-wise, we were fantastic today with how we passed and moved the ball and created chances. I have got no complaints about my team.”

Rodgers said he did not anticipate any further forays into the January transfer market, adding that he was happy with the squad at his disposal.

“I am delighted with the group in relation to what we have,” he said.

“As you could see today, the performance level was terrific. I don’t need any more players, I don’t feel.”