Sunderland are now in pole position for survival after moving out of the relegation zone on Sunday.
The Black Cats drew 0-0 at home to Arsenal, lifting them above Norwich City and out of the bottom three.
Jan Kirchhoff has played a key role in Sunderland's revival, and the German has praised the "good atmosphere" in the squad.
Despite fading late on in games, the 25-year-old's ability to read the game and stop counter-attacks has been invaluable to the resurgence of the Black Cats, who can move a step closer to safety with a win away to Stoke City on Saturday.
"It's back in our hands"
Going in to the game against the Gunners, Sunderland had games in hand against rivals Norwich and Newcastle United, meaning that they could put their destiny in their own hands. They did just that, picking up a point and another golden clean sheet.
The former Bayern Munich man hopes this "positive situation" will continue, knowing that this "good run bringing good performances" can see them maintain their Premier League status.
"We have to keep going with our daily work and I think we're in a good way to stay in the league," says Kirchhoff.
Sunderland still have a game in hand over North East neighbours Newcastle, as they prepare for the final four games of the season compared to the Magpies' three.
Clean sheets key for Big Sam
In the build-up to the game against Arsenal, Sam Allardyce discussed the importance of keeping clean sheets in the relegation run-in, and back-to-back shutouts have given the Wearsiders four points from their past two games.
Tightening up the defence has been one of Allardyce's biggest challenges since arriving, and goal difference could be pivotal in Sunderland's bid for survival.
With Sunderland's goal difference at -18, Kirchhof knows his side have "a much better goal difference" compared to Norwich and Newcastle's -25 and -26 respectively.
"We have a really good atmosphere in this squad so I'm positive," he concluded.