Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio was delighted with his side's second-half performance against Stoke City as they drew 1-1 despite having a man sent off.
The Black Cats were reduced to ten men just after the half-hour mark when Craig Gardner was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Charlie Adam.
But the Italian was full of praise for his side, telling Sky Sports: "I saw the team I wanted to see with shape and character. There was only one side in the second half, but we must stop the yellow and red cards.
"We had to keep the shape and use the wide areas better and move Stoke around.
"Also, with our desire and at home we tried to stay in the game and create chances and in the end the desire and effort helped and the point will be crucial to us."
On Gardner's sending off, Di Canio added: "Craig is out but we can't focus too much on that and we will try not to make any further mistakes. I do love the passion though of the players.
"The game at home to Southampton is now like a Champions League final. It's crucial for our destiny.
"We can stay up but we need to win another game."
