Sunderland's Seb Larsson hails 'massive win' over Stoke City

Sunderland midfielder Seb Larsson is hoping that the weekend demolition of Stoke City can set his new side up for a good season after lifting the pressure that had amounted following a run of five games without a win.

"It was a massive win," Sweden international Larsson told BBC Newcastle.

The Stadium of Light had seen the Wearsiders beaten twice already this season, with bitter rivals Newcastle and Chelsea already having left with all three points before the arrival of Tony Pulis' side, who were sent packing through goals from Larsson, Titus Bramble, Craig Gardner and a Jonathan Woodgate own goal.

"It was nice to get the first three points and hopefully that can really get us flying in forthcoming games."Larsson said, "We were all desperate for the first win, we wanted to put that right, give the fans something to be proud of."

He added,"We knew the performance was in us, that we can score goals and it was nice to show it. You don't stop hearing about it, we had slipped down the league and you never want to be down there."