Jermain Defoe has urged his team-mates to stick together following Sunderland’s 2-0 loss to Everton.
The Toffees reigned supreme at Goodison Park as David Moyes’ Merseyside return ended in defeat, with Idrissa Gueye’s thumping finish handing Ronald Koeman’s side a slender lead at the break.
Defoe, who has netted 14 Premier League goals this season, went within a whisker of levelling when his effort crashed against the underside of the crossbar, and fine margins proved pivotal as Romelu Lukaku raced clear and wrapped up the points moments later.
Speaking post-match, the 34-year-old admitted luck simply wasn’t on the Black Cats’ side.
“We knew it was going to be a tough game because they’re a very good team, but we’re disappointed because we wanted to come here and put in a good performance.
“We wanted to try and get something out of the game and we’re disappointed with both of the goals we conceded, but it’s important we move on and stick together like I always say.”
He continued: “It [the chance to level] happened so quickly and when it bounced down off the crossbar I thought it had bounced in, but it wasn’t meant to be.
“When the ball hits the woodwork you need a bit of luck – it can go in or drop to one of our players – but it bounced a little too high for Fabio and from the corner they break and score.
“They had that luck because Bryan did so well to match Lukaku’s strength and get a nick on it, but it’s ricocheted off him and gone in.“You need that little bit of luck and we didn’t get it.”
