Source: Northern_Echo
Bruce celebrates greatest day as Sunderland boss
STEVE Bruce was last night celebrating his greatest moment in management after Sunderland secured a memorable 3-0 victory over Premier League leaders Chelsea.[LNB] Nedum Onuoha, Asamoah Gyan and Danny Welbeck were all on target as the Black Cats claimed their first Premier League away win of the season at Stamford Bridge.[LNB] Sunderland outclassed the reigning champions in every department, with the final scoreline providing a fair reflection of the extent of their dominance.[LNB] Bruce was understandably delighted at his side's performance, which was better than anything they had produced in his previous 57 matches as boss.[LNB] It's certainly my proudest afternoon as Sunderland manager, said Bruce. It's not very often you come to somewhere like Chelsea and beat them 3-0 in their own backyard.[LNB] I don't think it'll happen very often again, but the pleasing thing is the way we approached the game. We really took it to them. All credit to the players, they've been fantastic. It's been a difficult couple of weeks, but I'm very pleased and proud of the performance.[LNB] The victory helped eclipse the memory of last month's 5-1 capitulation at Newcastle, with the Black Cats having leapfrogged their regional rivals in the table.[LNB] Since losing at St James', Sunderland have taken seven points from three matches against Stoke, Tottenham and Chelsea, and restored their reputation as one of the most effective sides in the Premier League.[LNB] I'll never get rid of it (the Newcastle defeat) totally, admitted Bruce. It's there on the CV, which is not very nice. But in football, you're always looking to try to respond to those sorts of days, and thankfully the players have done that.[LNB] They've rolled up their sleeves and turned it around. I said at the time they would learn from it. They're young. It was a very young team today but they played very well.[LNB] Two of Sunderland's youngest players were also two of their best, with Onuoha and Welbeck producing their best displays since moving to Wearside on loan in the summer.[LNB] Onuoha scored the Black Cats' goal of the season so far as he shimmied past three Chelsea defenders before the break, while Welbeck capped a man-of-the-match display with Sunderland's third goal with three minutes left.[LNB] The duo both signed season-long loan deals in the summer, and while Bruce will attempt to sign them permanently, he admits their value is rising with every game they play.[LNB] The sad thing for me is, 'How much will they cost to try to buy them now', said Bruce. They're two loans we've been able to do, and you want your loan players to fit into the squad. They've done fantastically well.[LNB] Nedum is 21, Danny is only 19, so they've done superbly. Would I want them Yes, if possible. We'll see whether it's possible in the future, but we've got them for a year. We'll speak to their respective clubs nearer the time, but they're exactly what we were looking for.[LNB] They're young, energetic and desperate to play. Danny gave a fantastic performance. The one thing that's different with him is that he's playing a stretch of games. I think that's helped him. I don't think he's played more than two games in a row for quite a while.[LNB] Bruce was also full of praise for Jordan Henderson, who joined up with the senior England squad last night ahead of Wednesday's friendly with France.[LNB] Henderson's maiden call up was confirmed on Saturday night, and the midfielder will hope to make his international debut in two days time despite only having made five appearances at Under-21 level.[LNB] With Steven Gerrard, Gareth Barry, Jack Wilshere and James Milner also included in the squad, Henderson is unlikely to figure in Fabio Capello's starting line up.[LNB] But the 20-year-old will hope to get a run out from the bench and succeed Michael Gray as the latest Sunderland-born player to represent his country.[LNB] We're all delighted for Jordan, said Bruce, who has confirmed Manchester United's interest in the homegrown midfielder. It's a great reward for everything he's done ever since I came to the club. From the moment I walked through the door, he was the one that grabbed me and made me take note.[LNB] He has caught the eye because he is a very good player. If you are Chelsea, Manchester United, or Liverpool, there is a 20-year-old who is playing in the Premier League week in, week out. There are not many you can look at.[LNB] He is a Sunderland player, and a Sunderland lad and we will do our utmost to keep him. He has huge respect for this football club and he will do the right thing. Jordan has a good grounding.[LNB]
