Sunderland midfielder Lee Cattermole believes his side’s 2-0 FA Cup win over Arsenal was just reward for two good performances against the Gunners.

A week ago in the English Premier League, the Black Cats were undone by a last-minute Thierry Henry goal as Arsenal won 2-1.

On Saturday, against an Arsenal side demoralised by their midweek 4-0 humbling at AC Milan, there was no way back for Arsene Wenger’s men from Kieran Richardson’s strike five minutes before the break and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s own-goal 12 minutes from time.

Cattermole told ITV1: “We just did what we’ve been doing recently.

“The last two months we’ve been solid and working hard, and a week ago we were unlucky to lose the game.

“I thought we were very strong today, we were determined and I thought we wanted it more.”

Richardson was delighted to book a place in the quarter-finals.

He said: “It’s good scoring a goal, especially against Arsenal.

“The main things is we’re through to the next round. The team performance was top notch. We deserve it.”

On the upturn in form since the arrival of manager Martin O’Neill, he added: “He’s been a breath of fresh air.

“He’s a great manager and we’ve got a great set-up now.

“The lads are doing well and long may it continue.”