Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat is upbeat over his side's survival chances following their 0-0 draw against Leicester City at the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats missed out on the chance to secure their Premier League safety as the Foxes held them at bay to earn a point this afternoon.
However Advocaat's men have a game in hand over their relegation rivals to try to retain their place in the top flight for the next campaign.
The Russian told BBC Sport: "It was a very exciting match for both teams, with a lot of nerves, but both teams work so hard. We had more opportunities, but I think 0-0 is a good result.
"Leicester are a very difficult team to beat. They've lost one game in eight, we'd lost one in six. We were organised, but we needed more, and we got it when Adam Johnson came on. We hope to use him in our last two games and get more chances.
"We play Arsenal next, and they are an excellent team. We have to make it as difficult as possible for Arsenal and score a goal. Swansea did it. If you are organised, you will always get chances. The players gave everything. I cannot ask for more from them. I can live with that, but they are disappointed. We are almost there, but not quite."
Sunderland are three points clear of the relegation zone, but play Arsenal and Chelsea in their final two matches of the season.
Simon Sinclair
