ARTISTS AND SOLDIERS

There was plenty for Tony Mowbray to be impressed with, both going forwards and in defence. So whilst he was praising his ‘Artists’ for their attacking display, he also credited his ‘soldiers’ at the back.

HOMEWORK

"It was a good performance. Despite their home record, which I believe was unblemished this season, we looked at them, we had a few days to work with them, and we believed that if everybody did the basics well we could win.”

FEED THE BEAST

"It was good to score three goals. It's amazing to see how many people travelled from Sunderland on a Wednesday night - it's incredible really, but it doesn't surprise me as a football club, because it is a massive beast and we need to keep trying to feed it.”

MAGIC

"I'm pleased for the supporters and for that group of players in the dressing room. They were fantastic goals. You'd have to say they weren't Ross Stewart-type goals - he generally plays between the sticks and finishes off crosses or whatever. It was just magic from Patrick, and from Jack with his being more of a team goal. I've spoken before about soldiers and artists.”

RED AND WHITE ARMY

"While artists score amazing goals, the soldiers have to keep a clean sheet and win the battles in midfield. They all did that, and the combination and the balance of the team was good."

BENETTE

"This young kid has come from Costa Rica two weeks ago, he hardly speaks a word of English, yet he nearly scored last night, making the keeper make a save. I'm really pleased for him. Since I've been here, a couple of weeks, he hasn't been playing but he hasn't moaned."

FAITH

"Then Dennis gets an injury and you have to have faith in these lads. The squad is quite tight, we've only got about 20 outfield players and you have to trust them. They showed last night that they can cope with it."