Sebastian Larsson feels that Sunderland's win over Crystal Palace on Monday was vital in restoring confidence to his side following a poor spell of results.

The Black Cats went into the match at Selhurst Park off the back of two straight defeats, following their drubbing at Southampton and 2-0 loss to Arsenal at the Stadium of Light.

However, a brace from Steven Fletcher and a strike from Jordi Gomez fired Gus Poyet's side to the three points to move them out of the relegation zone.

Larsson told the club's official website: "Personally I thought the result on Monday was one we really needed after one very bad result and one disappointing one.

"We needed to get back on track and show determination and togetherness which I think we did, so that got us through in the end and we got the three points. It is amazing what a good result can do.

"The atmosphere was a little bit down after the past couple of weeks and we haven't seen that many smiles around the place, but after a win the place is buzzing again."

Sunderland face Everton in their Premier League clash on Sunday.