Sunderland defender Patrick van Aanholt has said that the team's hard work helped them in their 2-0 win against Stoke City at the Stadium of Light.

The Dutchman scored the opener as the Black Cats moved out of the relegation zone and he thanked manager Sam Allardyce for giving him a chance in the first team.

The 25-year-old told Sky Sports News: "It gives us a boost, we got three points on Monday and the gaffer said that we need to carry on and try to get three points today.

"I think we worked hard and we worked our socks off and the result came in the end and we scored two goals.

"We started the season bad but that happens, the new gaffer came in and gave everyone a chance and I am glad I got mine to prove I should be playing and today I got my first Premier League goal and I am very happy."

Van Aanholt also singled out Duncan Whatmore's performance, who came on to put the result beyond doubt in the final minutes.

The former Chelsea man added: "He is a good player, he has got potential and he is very good, you know he is quick so he can run at people and that is what he did, he came on and made an impact on the team and helped us get the three points."

Sunderland moved up to 17th in the table with the victory but are only two points above the Premier League relegation zone.