Fourth-placed Sunderland came from a goal behind to beat Norwich 2-1 after the visitors were reduced to 10 men in the second half of a game which saw five bookings apiece.
Head coach Regis Le Bris told BBC Radio Newcastle: "It was another tough game. Our opponent played well, we expected that, they are a good team, they can press and defend. It was a good challenge for us.
"The game was unstable with many mistakes from both sides but in the end we found a solution to win so it's good for us.