Sunderland keeper Costel Pantilimon has expressed his belief that he and his teammates have shown great mental toughness to respond from their hammering to Southampton last month.

The Black Cats equalled their record defeat as they fell to an 8-0 thumping at the hands of the Saints, and also produced a mistake-laden display in their next match against Arsenal.

However, Gus Poyet's men are now three games unbeaten in the Premier League following their victory over Crystal Palace and recent draws against Everton and Leicester City.

Pantilimon told reporters: "Southampton was an accident game. We don't like to discuss that now. It was important our reaction was positive after that and we have shown that mental strength."

Sunderland are 14th in the Premier League following their draw against the Foxes.