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."