Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has said that his team deserved their late equaliser against Cardiff City.
Goals from Jordon Mutch and Fraizer Campbell had given the Bluebirds a two-goal lead in the Welsh capital, but Steven Fletcher restored hope for the Black Cats with seven minutes remaining.
The hosts were seconds from victory when Jack Colback finished past David Marshall to seal a point for the Poyet's side, which keeps them within touching distance of Crystal Palace at the bottom of the Premier League.
"We started poorly and at 2-0 it looked like it was too far but we don't stop fighting, going forward, took some risks and put Cardiff on the back foot and at the end we deserved the equaliser," the Uruguayan told Sky Sports News.
"It's important how you approach the game and start the game and with the change of manager we knew they would be strong in the first 20 minutes and put us under pressure.
"Our warm-up wasn't the best and we tried to address that but it took us half an hour to realise how important it is not to give the opposition presents even if it is Christmas. I didn't, but the players felt ready to win it."
Sunderland take on Aston Villa at the Stadium of Light on New Year's Day.
Michael Penkman
