Stephane Sessegnon has attributed Sunderland's timely improvement to team-work rather than his own efforts.
The 28-year-old Benin international has returned to something like his best form since the arrival of new manager Paolo Di Canio, and reaped the rewards once again on Saturday, when six days after setting the Black Cats on the way to derby victory at Newcastle, he put high-flying Everton to the sword with the only goal of the game.
Sessegnon's overall contribution in the last few weeks has earned him rave reviews from the Italian, but he insists the credit must be shared, and he told the Sunderland Echo: "He (Di Canio) hasn't said anything particularly special to me. Above all, his message has been about working as a team."
He added: "That's what we have done in training and tried to do in the games, and you can see the results.
"The defence was very solid against Everton and that has been the main thing the new manager has done differently. It's all about working together and functioning together."
Sunderland's transformation has been remarkable and a club which was deep in relegation trouble has now established a very different momentum heading into what could prove a crucial trip to Aston Villa next Monday evening.
However, with confidence high at the Stadium of Light, Sessegnon and his team-mates are looking upwards rather than over their shoulders.
The former Paris St Germain player said: "We have managed to get three points for two weeks in a row, so we are all very satisfied.
"It was important to keep it going because our place in the table was still not the healthiest. We are in a position where every point we can take is good.
"The win at Newcastle was important both for the three points and the confidence it gave us. If we keep playing this way in the final matches of the season, then we will finish the season well."
Source: PA
