Simon Grayson laments 'unforced errors' and admits Sunderland are too easy to play against

Grayson says key players returning will make a difference

Grayson admitted that his side are too easy play to against at the moment and said there was no shying away from a dreadful home run.

He said: "We have said for the last few weeks, when you have players out of your 18 that we have out then it will be very difficult to get results against experienced teams.

"Cardiff in their team had a lot of experienced players who have played football at this level and above. When you are confident and getting results things go your way.

"We need to grind a result out. At times we are too easy to play against. We make unforced errors which allow the opposition to get goals. We have to eradicate the mistakes," he added.

"Key players coming back will certainly help us.

"It would be daft to say no it isn't a problem [home form]," he added.

"It is not good enough for a club of this size. We have to do whatever we can to get a result home or away, grind one out.

"When we did get on top and did well the supporters were fully behind the team. The players are showing they care about the club and work for each other.

"They need a break and have to make sure they do what is required to win a game, which will then turn this place into a difficult place for the opposition but at this moment in time it is not."

Grayson did have praise for Lynden Gooch, who scored his first senior league goal.

He said: "He has done well when he has had his opportunities. I thought he did okay the other night and I wanted to play with two up front against Cardiff City to take the game to them.

"He worked hard and linked up well and was brave to get on the ball for the penalty and to take it as well, it will benefit him, the game today."

The Black Cats now sit in the bottom three and Grayson says everyone has to take responsibility.

He said: "I knew it would be tough and not something I will shy away from. It is no different now to what I knew when I started. We wanted better results to be better, wanted to make sure we had a bit more positivity around the players and the performance.

"We played well for a decent part of the game but made fundamental errors that we got punished for. We all have to take responsiblity for that."