Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has paid credit to Sunderland following his team's 1-0 win at the Stadium of Light.
The Red Devils stretched their lead at the top of the Premier League to 18 points courtesy of Titus Bramble's 27th-minute own goal.
Ferguson said that Martin O'Neill's men gave his team a good fight but praised his players for battling to victory.
The Scot said that attention now switches to next Monday's Manchester derby at Old Trafford.
"It was a battle in the second half and you have to give Sunderland credit as they had a real go at us," Ferguson told BBC Sport.
"We picked up two or three injuries and our goalkeeper was hurt so it was a real battling performance.
"We've got to win four games out of the last eight and it's important we focus on the Manchester City game which is next at home."
City can close the gap back to 15 points against Newcastle United this afternoon.
Michael Penkman
