Sunderland are looking to bounce back from a disappointing defeat at West Ham this week

Luke O'Nien says Sunderland are in a 'hell of a position' but have to learn the lessons from their disappointing defeat at West Ham United.

The Black Cats conceded three first-half goals in the absence of Granit Xhaka and though they improved in the second half, with O'Nien introduced as a late substitute at right back, they were deservedly on the wrong side of a 3-1 result. O'Nien said perspective was key given how competitive Sunderland have been through their first season back at the level so far, but equally said it was important not to overlook the lessons of what was in the end a chastening afternoon.

"Perspective is always key in football," O'Nien said.

"Instead of just looking at the game in isolation, we have to look at the whole season. But we won't just throw this under the rug and say it didn't happen, you have to learn from your failures. We spent three or four years in League One, that's why we're having the success we are now. Games like this are failures from the outside but it's games like this that will make us successful.

"We'll pull them apart, work out why we're so far away from our identity and put it right. If you win, you don't need to do that. These games are really important for the football club individually and collectively. And we'll always maintain perspective. We're in a hell of a position. We worked very hard, we've competed with every team this season other than maybe two games."

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Dan Ballard: Sunderland know we have to better away from home

Sunderland defender Dan Ballard told safc.com that the team needed to find a way to replicate the intensity of their performances at the Stadium of Light away from home.

“It wasn’t our day on Saturday,” he said.

“We started the game really poorly and made three mistakes for the goals.

“They were three poor goals from our point of view, especially considering how strong we have been at the back at times this season. It was a really difficult day.

“We need to look at ourselves. We lacked intensity and that little bit of bite. When you aren’t at your best, the small things don’t go your way.

“We didn’t contain them in the first half and didn’t give ourselves a chance to get back into it. We were always going to miss a player of Granit’s quality, but we have a great squad here and players who can step in when needed. He has played every game so far, but when he isn’t there we need to step up, and I think we can do that.

“We haven’t been great on the road this season. It’s a tough league and we’ve faced some really strong opponents. We need to find a way to bring the same energy and fight to away grounds because we haven’t picked up enough points.”

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