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Ghana defender John Mensah is hoping to put an injury-ravaged start to his time in the north east firmly behind him after starting against Arsenal. Mensah was delighted to mark his Sunderland comeback with a win against title-chasing Arsenal. Mensah partnered Paulo Da Silva at the heart of the home defence and played a big part in helping the Black Cats shut out the Barclays Premier League's highest scorers. 'The Rock of Gilbraltar' a Ghana international - was tired but delighted after completing his first 90 minutes for almost two months. "It was a very important three points," he said. "We know that Arsenal are a great team. We came into the game determined to get the three points by the end. "It doesn't matter whether it was a good game or a bad game - the three points were most important."We came back from our break for the international matches and hadn't played together a lot but we did well against them." "It wasn't a perfect game for me, but it was good. I have not played for a while so it was hard for me. I think I did the best I could for the team and to help the team."Mensah hadn't played since late September after a troublesome calf injury repeatedly flared up to halt his progress in training. But the on-loan Lyon man believes he's now put the problem behind him. "It was frustrating I came back after two weeks, hurt my calf again, then another two weeks, then another."The team physio and the doctor have worked very hard with me. I thank God that I am able to play again now."