Alex Neil savoured Norwich City's ruthless edge in a 3-1 Premier League win at Sunderland.

The Canaries bounced back from opening day disappointment at home to Crystal Palace in fine style with Russell Martin, Steven Whittaker and Nathan Redmond on target prior to Duncan Watmore's late consolation.

Neil was delighted to pick up his first top flight win as a manager but preferred to salute his players for their response after a Carrow Road reverse against the Eagles.

'I am happy because if you lose this game after last week and talk about how well we had played last then no-one cares,' he said. 'The fact we did play so well and then backed it up today with a real good performance gives the group real confidence. I thought we played with no fear and that is the impressive thing. The first goal was crucial and it always is. We didn't get it last week but this set us up for the rest of the game.

'They were some fantastic goals, but we have been doing that for quite a well. I know it's the Premier League now and it's a higher level but we played well against Palace. The quality we have in the group is there for all to see.

'You see Nathan (Redmond) and that is two in two but the whole team worked really hard and deserved it. You look at the second goal and that is how we want to play and our style. We have good players with good technique and a willingness to get full-backs in around the box to step in and play one twos. Steven's finish was excellent and I thought particularly in the first half he was excellent.

'At half-time I just told them for all that hard work don't let it go to waste. We needed to go on and win the game and it was going to take the same effort to ensure we saw it out. The difference is we were clinical. When you are on top you must score goals. You can't get away with missing two or three chances because you get punished.'