Allardyce: "We are getting to know more about each other as time goes on, I'm glad to say. Certainly we stopped those two defeats on the trot, which was very important.Allardyce Says His Players Were 'Nervous' Before Derby Clash!
Allardyce: "We are getting to know more about each other as time goes on, I'm glad to say. Certainly we stopped those two defeats on the trot, which was very important."It was a big point. It was difficult for the players going into this game. They were very nervous, and not just because it was a derby, but because of what's happened previously away from home.
"By losing our last two games we put ourselves under enormous pressure, and in the end we've come through with a point.
"They showed a lot of fighting spirit and quality when they went a goal down.
"For me, there's still work on the defensive unit. Their goal was the only disappointing thing for me.
"I had to make changes through injury and suspension, which was a big thing, but players came on and did a job.
"We'd have liked to have done much better for the fans, but it was about what we deserved, and no more. We've got a point, and we can kick on from here when we come back from the international break.
"Whether we've played good, bad or indifferent, we've not managed to get a result when we've gone a goal down. But this time we looked a bit more solid.
"I thought we were going to get the opportunity to win it, but we couldn't find the sort of clinical finish we know we've got in the side.
"Sunderland have to work hard and graft for their goals, which they do exceptionally well. They took full advantage of our mistake.
"Our players, although they might not be in the game as much, if you gift them with one chance, they'll score for you normally. Mark Viduka, Michael Owen, Emre, Joey Barton and James Milner on this occasion - that's why we're never really out of a game."