AFTER blasting his players in the aftermath of Saturday's defeat to Birmingham, Mick McCarthy was in no mood to repeat his critical comments following last night's 2-0 reverse to Liverpool.

The Black Cats boss labelled his side "gutless and embarrassing" following last weekend's second-half surrender but, despite watching the Wearsiders slump to yet another demoralising defeat, he refused to berate his players' efforts for the second game in a row.

They were unable to match the European champions for quality but, unlike four days ago, their commitment could not be held open to comment.

"From Saturday's performance to this, it was much improved," said McCarthy. "I had a right cut at them on Saturday and I was totally entitled to do it.

"But in terms of work-rate, effort, endeavour and trying to play, I have no qualms or arguments.

"When you look at the two teams on the pitch, it's not really a fair fight. But what I admire my players for is having a fight. We put it to them and had a good go. I admire them for that."

Nevertheless, the statistics continue to tell the sorry story of Sunderland's campaign. Last night's defeat was their eighth in a row - seven have come in the league - and a five-point haul from their first 15 games represents the worst start in Premiership history.

Things are unlikely to get any easier when they travel to Tottenham on Saturday, but McCarthy is demanding maximum determination at White Hart Lane.

"It's tough, especially when you keep getting done," he said. "But you have to keep believing and having a scrap.

"Whether it's this week or the next, we have to put it to the opposition and keep believing we can turn it round and get a result."

That belief is best summed up by shot-shy striker Jon Stead. The former Blackburn frontman has not scored a domestic goal since April and, while he rarely looked like breaking that duck last night, his effort was clear for all to see.

"Jonathan has been a bright spark during the last few games," said McCarthy. "His work-rate has been encouraging, as has his effort and some of the things he has done with the ball.

"He, like the rest of us involved in the club, is suffering a little bit and we all need a break. But he is working exceptionally hard and, if he keeps doing that, I believe that the break will come."

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