On-loan striker Danny Welbeck scored the only goal of the game as the Black Cats move up to sixth place in the Premier League.
“The result was brilliant for us,” Bruce told Sky Sports.
“It just shows you that with a bit of resilience we’ve managed to keep a clean sheet, which I believe we have more of than anybody else now.”
He continued: “We’re doing okay, we’ve had a good start. I believe we’ve got a good squad of decent young players with a great spirit and if we can stay injury-free then who knows?
“It would be fantastic to see this club play in Europe, but we’ve got to dampen expectations and keep our feet on the floor.”
On-loan Manchester United forward Welbeck scored his fifth Premier League goal of the season.
“The one thing that was never in question about Danny was his ability,” said Bruce.
“He’s flourishing at the minute, he loves the game, and it’s great to see a young player playing the way he is at the moment.
“We’ve still got him for half a year and he’s an exciting prospect.”
