Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn believes his club now have respect from the likes of Cesc Fabregas following their start to the season under Steve Bruce.

The Black Cats defeated Arsenal last Saturday and while Fabregas once criticised Blackburn for their approach and caused controversy with his reaction to a match against Hull last week, Quinn feels the Spaniard will hold Bruce's team in high regard.

"We played a strong game but full of passion and heart," Quinn said.

"People like Cesc Fabregas will remember Sunderland and respect the way we play because Lorik Cana gave him a tough game and Cesc has walked through teams this year with the way he has played.

"Arsene Wenger was very complimentary to us afterwards. We had performances that showed character and steel and a desire to go to new levels. The crowd sees that and that's why we get 45,000.

"When Arsene went home we hope he admired the way we played because we weren't kicking people off the park, he got that from Standard Liege three days later."

Quinn, speaking at the launch of Sunderland's bid to be a host venue at the 2018 World Cup, was also wary of complacency despite the promising start to the season.

"It's all starting to go the right way but as soon as you pat yourself on the back football kicks you up the backside," he added.