Bruce - Our luck has changed

Bruce: Drew up winning game-plan

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Sunderland boss Steve Bruce was delighted to see his side's luck change after they upset the odds to claim a 1-0 victory over Arsenal.

A second-half strike from Darren Bent proved to be the only goal of the game as the Black Cats successfully shut out their more illustrious opponents.

Bruce says that the Black Cats have been playing well but have been blighted by misfortune in the weeks leading up to the clash with Arsenal.

"It's always nice to beat one of the big top-four," Bruce told Sky Sports after the match.

"It was the manner of it for me; we've been playing well of late but haven't really got the bounce of the ball.

Pleasing

"We've played well against Tottenham - didn't get anything, we've played well against Aston Villa in the cup and lost on penalties and we've played West Ham here and drew 2-2 with 10 men, which we could have won as well.

"I've been delighted with the performances and we've seen another one today which was full of spirit and full of life and it was very, very pleasing to see."

The former Wigan boss also hailed Sunderland's tactical nous, revealing that sticking to specific game-plan was the secret behind the win.

He added: "I think it's important, against them, that you've got to make sure that you match them in the middle of the park.

"With such a fluid team they've got and players that want to try and beat you, I think that was the most important thing - we've stifled them in the middle of the park.

Deserved

"It's OK to have a game-plan, you've still got to go out and do it and to be fair to all of them they've stuck to the task and, in my opinion, deserved the victory."

Bent has now hit the net against every one of the 'top-four' clubs this season, managing to grab the winner against Liverpool and Arsenal.

Bruce was happy to see his striker get back on the scoresheet after a difficult trip to former club Tottenham two weeks ago.

"It's great for him because he's had a frustrating couple of weeks, with missing the penalty," he said.

"And it's not just that he scores the goal, his overall link-up play, his movement, his work-rate, was absolutely terrific.

"(He was) on his own today, it was an absolutely stunning performance from him and, of course, he's always likely to get you a goal."