Gordon joined Sunderland from Hearts in August 2007

Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon believes that their recent improvement in form is down to being able to field a relatively settled back four.

After Sunday's 1-1 draw with Manchester City, in which Gordon played a starring role, Steve Bruce's Wearsiders have now lost just once in seven games.

"It can help us if we can keep everybody together," said Gordon, 27.

"If you get a solid back four and goalkeeper playing together you get an understanding," he told BBC Newcastle.

Sunderland shipped seven goals in the space of one afternoon at Stamford Bridge in mid-January. But, since the beginning of February, Scotland international Gordon and his back four have tightened up, conceding just five goals in those seven matches - five of which they have drawn.

And the former Hearts keeper says that Ghanaian John Mensah has been an integral part of the defence, despite nursing a long-term back problem.

"He doesn't need to do a great deal of training," said Gordon. "He's actually quite fit, so to come out and just play games he is able to do that.

"He's a bit like Ledley King. He can do a little bit of training during the week, and then turn up and be one of the best players on the pitch week in, week out."

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