"It was frustrating because I thought we defended well in the first half," the Black Cats caretaker boss said after the 2-0 defeat.
"Then we came out for the second half and conceded a goal that could have been prevented.
"People in certain areas have to look at themselves because we did not do enough to stop it.
"I understand that confidence is in short supply, but by the same token that does not mean you can't then roll your sleeves up and push yourself to try and get a result."