Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill has defended his side's tactics during their 0-0 draw with Tottenham Hotspur this afternoon.

Spurs dominated possession for much of the game, with Sunderland appearing happy to defend and play for the draw, a tactic that Tottenham skipper Scott Parker was surprised to see.

However, O'Neill defended his side's set-up, arguing that he did what he thought he needed to do to make sure that his side got something out of the game.

"It's part of football. Should we have allowed them to come here and pick up the three points? I'm afraid it's not like that," said O'Neill.

"We still had chances but we were up against a top-quality team who have been vying for a Champions League place and until a couple of weeks ago had the chance to win the league itself.

"We ourselves have been frustrated by teams who have sat back."

The result leaves Sunderland eighth in the Premier League, level on points with ninth-placed Liverpool.