Tiredness creeps in for Black Cats as capital visit sees them fall short, says boss

REGIS Le Bris conceded Sunderland fell short in their 1-0 defeat at Fulham admitting his team were “a bit tired” as the game progressed.

- By CLIVE YOULTON

The Premier League defeat dropped the Black Cats down two places to sixth by the close of play on Saturday.

The Black Cats’ impressive unbeaten run in the capital ended at a rain-soaked Craven Cottage, where a late Raul Jiménez strike proved decisive.

The Londoners dictated key moments in the game and Le Bris acknowledged his side lacked composure, intensity and control.

Le Bris named an unchanged side after the promising draw with league-leaders Arsenal before the international break, but Sunderland were ultimately left frustrated as Fulham maintained their strong home form.

The home team had started the day hovering above the relegation zone, but ended it just five points behind the Wearsiders as a warning against complacency as many pundits have already declared the club are safe from relegation - in November.