Sunderland caretaker Kevin Ball felt that the 3-1 scoreline Liverpool produced at the Stadium of Light on Sunday was perhaps a little unfair.
The Black Cats found themselves two goals down at the break after Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez had scored but responded well in the second half and even got back into the contest when Emanuele Giaccherini pulled one back in the 52nd minute.
However, Suarez netted his second goal on his Premier League return in the final minute to extend Liverpool's lead and eventual win to two goals which Ball suggested was a little harsh for his side.
"We spoke at half-time and I thought you saw a great reaction. They gave it a really good go in the second half," Ball told Sky Sports.
"We took it right to the death but unfortunately you're susceptible to that counter-attack where 3-1 - and I don't mean this as disrespect to Liverpool - flatters them a little bit.
"It was a shame because I thought the lads had a real good go today and that's something we need to take heart from."
