The Black Cats' stunning 3-0 victory at Stamford Bridge last Sunday once again demonstrated that on their day, they can compete with any team in the division. Coming as it did just a fortnight after the 5-1 derby humiliation at Newcastle, one of the club's best performances in years served to illustrate what could be if they can produce that kind of form on a consistent basis. Bruce said: "Apart from the Newcastle debacle, we have been playing very well. That's the top seven we have played against and been undefeated. "We have played very well against Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, without maybe that cutting edge. "On Sunday, we had that cutting edge where every time we went forward, we looked a threat. "To have 18 attempts on Chelsea's goal is remarkable, to say the least. I think I have had 18 attempts in 10 years. "It was a wonderful performance - but it's history and we must look forward to the next game now. "It was good for everybody concerned and we have hit standards we hope we can keep setting." In fairness, Sunderland have lost only two of their 13 league games to date - ironically, to promoted pair the Magpies and West Brom - although seven draws have limited their points total to 19. Bruce is quick to point out that his side has already faced nine of last season's top 10 - Everton will complete the set when they visit the Stadium of Light on Monday evening - and lost to none of them. In the circumstances, those who witnessed both the horror show at St James' Park on October 31 and last weekend's events in west London could be forgiven for struggling to reconcile the two performances. However, Sunderland's response to one of the blackest days in their recent history has been impressive with victory over Stoke and a deserved draw at Tottenham laying the foundation for the win at Chelsea. Bruce said: "To get seven points from nine from Stoke, Spurs and Chelsea and to play with such energy was terrific to see. "It will repair a bit of the damage from Newcastle. It goes to show how crazy football is. "Two weeks ago, we were hung, drawn and quartered, and rightly so. "But the one thing we were wanting from everybody - and a big pat on the back for the people who work with me - we needed to have a response. "We were all doom and gloom for two or three days, and we looked at Stoke at home, Tottenham away and Chelsea away as pretty daunting. "To come out of it the way we have has been terrific. We live to fight another day."
