Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio admitted his team were fortunate to escape from St Mary’s with a point, after facing what he described as one of the best attacking sides in the Premier League.

Despite the disappointment of conceding a late equaliser, the Black Cats boss was candid in his admission that his team didn’t even warrant a draw, although he praised the resilience of his defence.

“We didn’t deserve to win, because Southampton did better than us,” he said.

“I feel 50-50. Obviously we defended for the whole game, like Fulham did against us last week.

“The defence have done an amazing job because playing Lambert, Rodriguez, Lallana and then Ramirez and Osvaldo – I tell you, this is one of the best sides up front in the league.

“Their frontline gives them a chance for them to finish in the top ten, play good football, a physical presence, energy and quality.

“My back four, central midfield and wingers, have done a very good job in defensive moments.”