The Wearsiders lost 2-0 at the Reebok after a dire display and, in the wake of that defeat, the Black Cats boss was scathing about his players efforts.

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He also said that players should not think themselves safe from the chop, even if they were on long-term contracts and said he could consider making seven or eight changes at least on the back of that performance.

Few managers have been as cutting or as honest as Keane was after that game.

But the Sunderland boss stands by every word.

He told the Football Echo: "Some people have said that perhaps I have too high standards, but that's nonsense.

"What I said last week after the game hasn't really left me.

"Was I too critical?

"Maybe so.

"But I've defended the players long enough this season.

"And, as manager of this football club, I have to say if it's not good enough.

"I don't think people should have a problem with that.

"You are only as good as your last game in football and our last game wasn't good enough.

"We are talking about Sunderland Football Club here in the Premiership.
"And people giving the ball away under no pressure is simply not acceptable at this club.

"We want to lift our standards, drive people on – we can't get away from that – and you're never going to get there if you are being as sloppy as we were.

"People can criticise us for our formation sometimes, if they want and they have done.

"But against Bolton we played with two up front, so it had nothing to do with formation.

"That didn't change the result though, did it?

"I have to say since I've been a manager I've not regretted too many of my comments after a game.

"They've tended not to be too far off the mark.

"I wasn't really in the mood to be kind to people.

"And, as manager of this club, I've the right to do that.

"I'm still pretty angry about it, if I'm honest, but maybe I will calm down by the time the Arsenal game comes around!"
- GRAEME ANDERSON