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‘Unbelievable’: Dick Advocaat hails Sunderland's latest Premier League escape

A tearful Dick Advocaat saluted Sunderland’s latest escape from the jaws of Premier League relegation as an “unbelievable feeling”, having secured the point that kept them up in a 0-0 draw at Arsenal on Wednesday.

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Sunderland manager Dick Advocaat celebrates a 0-0 draw at Arsenal - and avoiding relegation. Photo: Reuters

A tearful Dick Advocaat saluted Sunderland’s latest escape from the jaws of Premier League relegation as an “unbelievable feeling”, having secured the point that kept them up in a 0-0 draw at Arsenal on Wednesday.

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Dutchman Advocaat was parachuted into Sunderland’s managerial hot seat in March following the sacking of Gus Poyet and set about rebuilding their battered confidence and helping them ease away from danger.

The most important thing is that the players started believing they could do something
Dick Advocaat

Three wins and three draws in his eight games in charge have helped Sunderland move up to 38 points, four clear of Hull City in the final relegation place with one game of the campaign remaining.

Former Netherlands boss Advocaat said instilling belief in his players had been the secret of his success.

“It is an unbelievable feeling, we did it by ourselves,” he told Sky Sports.

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“The players gave everything to stay up. It is a beautiful stadium, facilities are great, but in the last couple of years, they have not always been lucky with things . . .

A tearful Dick Advocaat embraces Billy Jones at the end of the match. Photo: Reuters
A tearful Dick Advocaat embraces Billy Jones at the end of the match. Photo: Reuters
“The most important thing is that the players started believing they could do something.
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