Patrick van Aanholt: No let-up in pressure as Sunderland chase third-straight Premier League win

Sunderland have a real battle on their hands at Tottenham Hotspur in their bid to secure a third-straight Premier League win.
Patrick van AanholtPatrick van Aanholt
Patrick van Aanholt

But Patrick van Aanholt believes Sam Allarydce's side are up for the "fight" as they look to move out of the relegation zone.

The left-back, who starred in the 4-2 win over Swansea City, has been part of a much-changed defensive line this campaign.

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Injuries, suspensions and poor form have forced Allardyce into regular defensive changes as they battle the drop but van Aanholt says the manager's decisions have been justified.

And the 25-year-old says whoever starts must be up for the scrap.

"The gaffer picks the team and we have to do our job if selected," said van Aanholt, a regular since Allardyce took charge.

"If it keeps changing, then he has a reason to do that.

"The gaffer knows what he is doing and we are all behind him.

"The first 11, whoever plays, has to fight."

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The Black Cats have faced a daunting week on the road with away trips to the Emirates, south Wales and Spurs today, with a little over 48-hours to prepare for the game at White Hart Lane.

And van Aanholt says there is no let-up in the pressure to add to their points haul.

"The pressure is always there. We have to get ourselves together, recover well and look to go again," he added.

"Every game in the Premier League is hard, any team can beat anyone.

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"We just have to do our own thing, focus on our own game and be hard to beat.

"Tottenham are a good team and it will be a tough game, we need to stick together, go and try and win the game but if we don't then don't lose.

"We are a good team if we stay organised and hopefully we'll get another result."