Sunderland could be bottom of the Premier League table come close of play on Monday

Jamie Carragher highlighted Sunderland's defensive woes as a major concern as the Black Cats dropped to 19th in the Premier League table on Sunday.

Sunderland were beaten 2-0 by Bournemouth following an early red card to Kevin Danso, with Marcus Tavernier capitalising on some poor defending to open the scoring not long before.

Carragher, who predicted Sunderland to be relegated this season at the start of the campaign, said it was a big game for two teams who had both struggled for early-season form.

"That was a massive game for both teams," he said.

"I think psychologically, whoever came out on top will look at the other one as almost... we're both in a similar situation, we're near the bottom. We've both got Thursday night football, so for one of them to come out on top, I think psychologically that will really affect Sunderland. It wasn't just losing a game, it was losing a game to a team who were in exactly the same position as them."

The errors meant that as well as the red card, Sunderland have now conceded five goals in seven games directly from their own errors. It's a major concern for Régis Le Bris and his side who could be bottom of the table by close of play on Monday should Tottenham get a positive result against Coventry City.

"Exactly, and that's what they lived on last year," Carragher said.

"Making sure they stayed in games, making sure they win games by the odd goal, and again, that's one of the reasons why I felt it would be a lot tougher this season. Not as a criticism or anything, but last season was just totally unexpected from everybody inside the club or outside, and it was always going to be a difficult season, especially with European football, but I think going into this next international break, if they don't get a couple more points on the board, they're going to be really worried going forward."

Fellow pundit Micah Richards said it was early days but the Black Cats were struggling to get the balance right.

"You always think it's going to be difficult, because they're in Europe and the balance is obviously difficult," he said.

"They've got a lot of players, had a few injuries, and they're just finding the balance a little bit tough at the moment, but it's still early days."

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Jamie Carragher delivers verdict on Kevin Danso red card

Richards also said that Danso had to simply get rid of the ball before dithering and inviting Evanilson to break clear for the red card, while Carragher noted that the Black Cats are missing Dan Ballard at the heart of defence.

"He should just deal with it quicker, he just hesitates," Carragher said.

"Maybe that's through a lack of confidence as well, through the fact he's involved in the first goal. Doesn't want him to make another mistake, he's not decisive enough in this situation. They need Dan Ballard back really quickly, don't they?"

Ballard is not expected back from a hamstring injury until late November at the earliest.

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