Sunderland defender Patrick van Aanholt has said that his side have to continue their momentum to push further away from the relegation zone following their 2-0 victory over Stoke City.

The Dutchman scored his first Premier League goal to put the Black Cats ahead late on against the Potters before Duncan Watmore secured the three points for Sam Allardyce's men, who registered back-to-back wins for the first time in the campaign.

Van Aanholt told the club's official website: "We knew we were going to have a tough game but in the end we got the points and that's what it's all about.

"We're also out of the relegation zone which gives us a little boost, but we just have to carry on and go from there.

"The gaffer said it starts with a clean sheet and if you do that you win games; he's brought loads of experience and everyone likes to work with him in training, in games and in meetings, so he's had a big impact on us."

Sunderland have moved into 17th place in the table, two points clear of the bottom three.