MICK McCarthy flashed a defiant 'I won't quit' message after Sunderland's 3-1 home defeat to Aston Villa, writes Will Scott.

Saturday's defeat increased the Black Cats run of winless home matches at the highest level to 17. In doing so they broke an unwanted 92 year-old record, one they shared with Nottingham Forest (1998/99) and Woolwich Arsenal (1912/13).

But that statistic is only the tip of the iceberg.

The Wearsiders have a long list of depressing facts associated with the downturn of their fortunes.

They have not only lost more top tier matches than any other club this season (nine), they have dropped more Premier League points than anyone else and lost 27 of the last 31 top league clashes.

They have also kept only one clean sheet in 27 Premiership matches (the 2-0 win at Middlesbrough); lost all nine games after conceding the opening goal; lost 18 of 21 top flight matches under McCarthy, winning once, and are one of only three clubs still without a home Premier League victory.

But despite this dismal reading and with the odds heavily stacked against Sunderland preserving their top-flight status McCarthy says he has no intention of walking away from the job in hand.

"Not a chance!" was his bullish reply. "I'm trying to find a formula. If there is one there then I'm sure I can find it. But there has never been a question of me throwing in the towel."

Although in a seemingly impossible position McCarthy believes his side can turn things around and revealed he takes comfort from West Brom's survival campaign last season.

The Baggies were the first team in Premiership history to escape the drop while rooted to the bottom at Christmas.

"Any of us who end up in the lower reaches of the league come Christmas hope we do a West Bromwichesque escape, because they proved last season that it can be done," said the Black Cats boss.

"But then I don't know what their performances were like. But we have to play a lot better than that to turn it around and win as many points as they did in the second half."

Christian Bassila, meanwhile, revealed there were a few harsh words exchanged between the manager and players immediately after game but he insisted this would only forge a stronger bond between the squad rather than split the camp.

"There were strong words, but you will have to ask him if he wants to tell you what he said," said the 28-year-old midfielder.

"We know we must all remain friends in these difficult times, we cannot become enemies.

"We must keep calm and relaxed and work hard. We do not want to start arguing among ourselves. We will stay together and stay stronger because of that. That is the only way we will get out of trouble.

"It is a difficult time for everyone, but we can have happy days again. We need to stay confident.

"We can talk all day about what has gone wrong, but all we can do is work hard and try to get better results."

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