Sunderland winger Adam Johnson says there's a new belief inside the squad that they can beat the drop.
Johnson admits victory over Manchester City has lifted the entire club.
"Now we're back in touching distance," said Johnson. "If we can get another three or four points over the next few games, people won't be writing us off again.
"There's so much more football to be played. We didn't get carried away by where we were at the beginning of the season.
"We're still in a bit of trouble, but it looks a lot better now. The two home wins before City lifted us massively anyway.
"But that win gave us an extra lift going into the current international break."
