Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill says West Bromwich Albion deserved their thumping win.

O'Neill had few complaints about his side's resounding setback and they are now only a point ahead of Albion.

He said: "The early goal knocked us back a bit but it shouldn't have done. It shouldn't be a decisive moment.

"We were second best for all of the first half and at the end of the day we were deservedly beaten. It was a tough one to take because it was certainly unlike us in recent times not to compete and just have a real appetite for it.

"At this moment we are not good enough to go 10-15 minutes in a game and play second fiddle to teams.

"We had to work really hard to beat Arsenal in the FA Cup and today we didn't seem to have that energy. There is no excuse. We were well beaten."