Football: Arca: We must win 36 finals for return to the top.

Byline: CARLASKEW

SUNDERLAND were last night told they can get back into the Premiership if they treat each of their next 36 league games as a cup final.

Argentinian full-back Julio Arca fired out the message after helping the club to fifth in the First Division with a 3-2 win over Ipswich.

Mick McCarthy's men showed all the battling qualities they will need to succeed this season as they scrapped their way back from a goal down and then had enough resolve to win it at the death against Joe Royle's men.

But they will have to do exactly the same if they are to maintain their momentum when they head for league leaders Sheffield United on Saturday, and far beyond.

Rejuvenated Arca said: ``Every game is a battle for Sunderland. They are all like finals because teams want to beat us we only have another 36 to go!

``This league is difficult for us because teams really want to beat us but we'll just keep battling. We have Sheffield United on Saturday and that will be another tough game just like Ipswich last night.

``Sheffield United are top of the league but Saturday will be a big one for them. They will want to beat Sunderland.''

The victory over Ipswich was Sunderland's sixth in their last eight league games, a run which has been spoiled only by a 3-1 defeat at Stoke.

But, as at the height of the Peter Reid era, it is their form at the Stadium of Light which is providing the foundation. To date, only first visitors Millwall have denied the Wearsiders all three points.

Gary Breen's own goal handed Ipswich a first-half lead but the defender made amends with an equaliser before the break and although Richard Naylor cancelled out John Oster's 50th-minute strike within seconds, Kevin Kyle won it with just five minutes to go.

Arca told the club's official website: ``We now have a lot of confidence at home and always think we can win.

``It was a relief to see Kevin Kyle head the goal at the end.

``We've had a few good results and performances at the Stadium of Light and the people are enjoying it again. They are getting behind us and it really helps.

``It was a hard game against Ipswich. They played some good football and when you get two teams doing that it makes it hard to win the game.

``We expected to be able to pass it around in the first half and Ipswich didn't let us. They made it very difficult. But in the second half we were better and we scored two great goals.

``Ipswich came here for a win they were different to Reading on Saturday.

``They played 4-3-3 and have a good team.''