John Mensah pleased to be back
Ghana defender John Mensah is hoping to put an injury-ravaged start to his time in the north east firmly behind him after starting against Arsenal.
Mensah was delighted to mark his Sunderland comeback with a win against title-chasing Arsenal.
Mensah partnered Paulo Da Silva at the heart of the home defence and played a big part in helping the Black Cats shut out the Barclays Premier League's highest scorers.
'The Rock of Gilbraltar' - a Ghana international - was tired but delighted after completing his first 90 minutes for almost two months.
"It was a very important three points," he said.
"We know that Arsenal are a great team. We came into the game determined to get the three points by the end.
"It doesn't matter whether it was a good game or a bad game - the three points were most important.
"We came back from our break for the international matches and hadn't played together a lot but we did well against them."
"It wasn't a perfect game for me, but it was good. I have not played for a while so it was hard for me. I think I did the best I could for the team and to help the team."
Mensah hadn't played since late September after a troublesome calf injury repeatedly flared up to halt his progress in training.
But the on-loan Lyon man believes he's now put the problem behind him.
"It was frustrating - I came back after two weeks, hurt my calf again, then another two weeks, then another.
"The team physio and the doctor have worked very hard with me. I thank God that I am able to play again now."