Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat draws positives from League Cup hammering

Sunderland manager Dick Advocaat was upbeat after watching his side lose 4-1 at home to Manchester City in the third round of the League Cup.

The Dutchman said that he was disappointed with his team's defending, but was encouraged by the way they performed in isolated spells of the match.

"Maybe you think I will be negative, but I'm not," he told reporters. "Yes, I'm negative we lost 4-1, but I think the way we played in the first 25 minutes was quite positive.

"I was not happy with the way we gave the goals away again, and it is not the first time.

"But it makes no sense to name names - everybody could see the mistakes - simple mistakes, which are not possible at this level, especially against a team like Manchester City."

Sunderland, who are currently bottom of the Premier League, travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United this weekend.