Adam Matthews has come out fighting from Saturday’s defeat at Queens Park Rangers, admitting it is up to the players to turn Sunderland’s situation round.
While the Black Cats remain at the foot of the Sky Bet Championship, four points adrift and without a win in their previous nine games, Matthews believes now isn’t the time to sit and feel sorry for ourselves.
Preston North End provide Chris Coleman’s side with their next challenge before the March international break, a fixture which the Welsh full-back insists needs to display more attacking purpose from the lads.
"We didn’t create much (at QPR), really, and that’s something we need to look at but in the first half we limited them to hardly anything,” Matthews told safc.com.
"Even at ten men, I thought we were comfortable.
"We haven't scored that many goals this season, that has been a big problem for us.
"I think since the manager’s come in we’ve looked better as a back four or a back five and conceded fewer goals – there’s been the odd game where we haven’t worked well together – but on Saturday I think we looked solid enough.
"I thought [Steele's red card] was a bit harsh but it is what it is,” he continued.
“Everything seems to be going against Sunderland at the minute but only we can turn that around.”