Sunderland captain John O'Shea says they know they can yet beat the drop.

The Black Cats have developed something of a reputation for escapology in recent years, but last weekend's results have left them six points adrift of safety and looking in greater danger than ever before.

O'Shea told the Sunderland Echo: “You have to be careful just saying, 'yeah, we've done it before so we'll do it again', without a doubt.

“The Premier League is a tough, tough place.

“You look at the teams, you look at Everton where we were well in the game, you're half an inch from making it 1-1 then the next thing you're 2-0 down and can't take anything from the game."