We showed character to defeat Wigan – Sunderland defender Michael Turner

Michael Turner – Sunderland, (Getty Images)

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Michael Turner is convinced Sunderland have shown their character after their nine-game run without a win came to an end this weekend against Wigan, in a victory that looks set to ensure Premier League football at the Stadium of Light next season.

Turner told the Sunderland Echo: “It was all about character on Saturday.

“It was always going to be a tough test going one down. But the two lads going off in the first half had kind of galvanised us. We pulled together a little bit more and got our just desserts.”

After suffering first-half injuries to Phil Bardsley and Danny Welbeck, and then going down 1-0 to a Mohamed Diame goal just after half-time, it was looking like Sunderland were heading to a fifth consecutive defeat and further down the table towards the relegation zone.

However, the 52nd minute Wigan opener seemed to finally shake the home side up, who then rallied together in an impressive manner to score four goals in under 20 minutes.

It was a second-half performance that was reminiscent of the Sunderland side which was pushing for a place in Europe at Christmas, before the start of their demise in January.

Although Wigan hit back with a late consolation goal from Franco Di Santo, to make the final score 4-2, Sunderland were the more creative and stronger side for a majority of the second-half and will now look for  astrong finish to the season.