Phil Bardsley described Sunderland's display as 'not up to scratch' as the Black Cats' woes away from home continue.

Steve Bruce's men lost their fifth league game of the season on the road as Hugo Rodallega rolled in the only goal late in the second half.

Defender Bardsley pulled no punches as he delivered a damning assessment of the performance, telling SAFC TV:

"We're all disappointed - we weren't good enough in the first half and even though we gave a better account of ourselves in the second half we conceded a sloppy goal.

"We were more direct in the second half and created a few chances but overall everyone is gutted. It's how you react in this game and we will have to react in the right with a big game next week.

"I think it's one in 17 away from home now and we need to have a look at ourselves after that performance. It's frustrating to perform like we did against Arsenal and come away here and play like that.

"We weren't up to scratch and the fans deserved better because they were superb. It's simple - we weren't good enough and we were punished for that.

"All we can do is dust ourselves off, get back on the training pitch and hopefully get it right against Fulham next week."