Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill admits Swansea City had them on the rack in the first-half of yesterday's win.

Craig Gardner's 85th-minute volley extended the lead Stephane Sessegnon's fine 14th-minute finish had given the Black Cats and killed off any hope of a comeback by the Swansea City.

O'Neill was clearly unhappy with his side's display, and whatever he said at the break, they responded, although they had to wait until the 85th minute for Gardner to thump a dipping volley into the far corner.

O'Neill said: "It was a difficult afternoon for us. Swansea are a very, very fine footballing side who came here with plenty of confidence, not just because of their win against Arsenal.

"They have been playing excellently and it didn't matter whether we were the next opponents or not, they were going to play very well.

"They caused us problems in terms of possession, but the win for us was the most important issue.

"Two great goals decided the game, but it was a tough afternoon."