Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka feels his side are showing that they are ready to compete at Premier League after picking up four points from their opening two games.
By beating North-East derby rivals Sunderland away from home, 'Boro won their first Premier League match since their last involvement in the top flight in 2009.
"Very pleased, especially for the players because once again after the game last Saturday against Stoke, they showed that they are ready to compete in the Premier League in a difficult game, especially in the atmosphere because the pressure and the emotions were difficult," he said.
"The crowd have been waiting for this moment for five to six years."
Speaking to Newstalk's Dave McIntyre, Karanka added that togetherness is the key for the club in the past few months when he nearly walked out in the midst of their promotion push.
"It's the only way to be successful because when you are not together, it is impossible. I have always felt the chairman behind me, supporting me. I've felt a group of players always trusting me."
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