Sunderland must step up to the plate and play without fear during the final run-in, according to striker Victor Anichebe who pulled no punches post-match.
The former Everton man returned to action at the King Power Stadium before starting against Manchester United, but he was unable to inspire the Black Cats back to winning ways.
Instead, Zlatan Ibrahimovic sent United on their way to three points as their 21-game unbeaten run in the Premier League continued.
And speaking to safc.com after the game, Anichebe admitted Sunderland simply have to be better.
“It was a difficult game and obviously the sending off didn’t help us, but in the first 20 minutes I thought we were poor and we didn’t get up to them.
“We gave them a bit too much respect and, because of the positing we’re in, I think anxiety and fear was in our performance at times.”
He continued: “I think we’re all disappointed because it [the first goal] was far too easy.
“Zlatan, coming in and turning onto his right, it’s obvious what he’s going to do, but at the moment we’re just not getting there at the right times and that’s the position we’re in.
“It was a difficult result but we still have games to go so we have to keep going and keep plugging away, and turn things around to give the fans something to cheer about.”