Sunderland were not good enough against Stoke City and they must use Tuesday’s Emirates FA Cup tie at Burnley as a chance to make amends, says Seb Larsson.
A poor opening half hour against the Potters on Saturday saw the Black Cats 3-1 down at the interval, with Jermain Defoe pulling a goal back on the stroke of half-time.
Chances came and went for David Moyes’ side in the second period and they were forced to accept defeat as the Potters clinched their first league win on Wearside in over 20 years.
And speaking ahead of Tuesday’s trip to Turf Moor, Larsson admitted the Black Cats must respond.
“On Tuesday we have another game and it’s a chance to make amends.
“That’s all you can do – we have to keep plugging away, keep working and keep making sure we improve – so we have to pick up more points and progress in the cup.”
He continued: “Saturday wasn’t good enough it’s as simple as that.
“We slammed the door in our own faces early on and handed Stoke the game, so it’s hard to take when you collectively give it away a game like that.
“I understand if people don’t have a lot of belief in us at the moment, but we will keep working hard and give ourselves every chance of getting out of trouble.”