MARTIN O’Neill has been delighted with the way things have gone since he took over the reins at the Stadium of Light - but admits he could not have done it without a little bit of luck.

The Sunderland boss has been in charge for six games and the 1-0 loss at Tottenham on December 18 has been the only time he has tasted defeat.

What is more impressive is the fact Sunderland have racked up four wins and a draw, and have started to climb away from the perilous position above the drop zone they occupied before Steve Bruce’s sacking.

A marked improvement in performances has undoubtedly been the key to their recent run of results. However, as the thumping 4-1 win at Wigan earlier this week showed, a little bit of luck goes a long way in helping a club find a winning formula.

O’Neill said: “Tuesday night might encapsulate things. I think we had a little bit of luck.

“Wigan started very strongly and we were on the back foot, which did not surprise me having played the game at the weekend.

“That little moment when they hit the post twice in six or seven seconds was crucial.

“The effort of the team has been fantastic.

“We have shown a fair amount of skill as well and I would have been hoping we were able to chase it (the victory), but you never know. We have a great moment just before half-time when Craig (Gardner) unleashes that shot and that gave us something to hold on to.

“I thought our second-half performance defied belief a bit because we showed great energy.

“The most pleasing moment was at 2-1 when we fought back and got down and scored another goal. “

While Sunderland are now heading upwards in the league instead of worrying about dropping down it, O’Neill refuses to get carried away.

After all, in six games, the Black Cats have quickly climbed up the table, and the manager knows they could easily fall down it just as rapidly if they cannot build on the momentum generated.