Sunderland fell to a 2-0 defeat at Premier League rivals Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon.

Sunderland were described as ‘the masters of their own downfall’ after Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth left the Black Cats in the Premier League relegation zone.

Regis Le Bris’ side made the long trip to the south coast looking to build on Thursday’s dramatic Europa League win against Portuguese Cup winners Torreense - but they were up against it from the opening quarter of an hour after Marcus Tavernier fired the hosts in front before Kevin Danso was shown a red card for denial of a goalscoring opportunity.

Bournemouth striker Evanilson scores his side's second goal in their win against Sunderland (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images

placeholder image — Bournemouth striker Evanilson scores his side's second goal in their win against Sunderland (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images

The Cherries doubled their advantage in the opening stages of the second-half as Omar Alderete’s nightmare afternoon continued with a weak backpass that was pounced upon by Brazilian striker Evanilson and he made no mistake with a cool finish.

Former Norwich City and West Ham goalkeeper Rob Green was on Sky Sports co-commentary duties and he admitted the Black Cats had gifted the points to their hosts.

He said: “It was a gift, wasn’t it? Something that was a comfortable afternoon and one in the Premier League, you don’t expect to come around too often. The goals that was given to them and the red card that was awarded, Sunderland were the masters of their own downfall really. It should have been more from Bournemouth, it’s a big win for them.”

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‘It’s a mess’

Kevin Danso is shown a red card at the Vitality Stadium. | Getty Images

Green also hit out at Black Cats defensive duo Alderete and Danso for their part in the disastrous situation that led to the latter receiving a red card for hauling down Evanilson as he broke in on goal.

“It’s a mess,” explained the former England goalkeeper. “It’s a mess from Alderete and then from Danso. He [Danso] has been dropped in it by his team-mate and he’s got to think fast because he’s just not working. It’s one straight ball and the tenacity from all of the way deep in his own half. I don’t know why Alderete decides to leave it and then Danso changes his mind. As soon as he changes his mind he’s in trouble. Just head it clear for one. Danso, that touch is horrible, the decision is horrible, there’s no real decision from Craig Pawson other than the red card from that point.”

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