Sunderland manager Chris Coleman has labelled his side's form "alarming" after their 2-0 defeat to Brentford on Saturday.
The Black Cats, who conceded both goals inside the first 30 minutes at the Stadium of Light, failed to claw their way back into the tie in the second half.
Coleman, whose side are now without a win in four games, has said that he "should have expected" his team's performance.
"I should have expected it really, I suppose," the former Wales boss told the Sunderland Echo. "More grief, more frustration, more suffering, it is a theme from the last four games.
"We were nervous, looked panicked, a lack of cohesion, we went in 2-0 down at half time, it was what we deserved. It is bitterly disappointing and alarming as well because of the situation we are in, that again the opposition didn't have to work that hard to score the goals.
"Last four games it has been the same thing. I was asked last week about formations, I knew I was right. It is not about formations, it is about state of mind, mentality. Clearly, first 45 minutes, we gave Brentford the three points."
Sunderland, who sit level on points with Championship bottom club Burton Albion, face fellow strugglers Bolton Wanderers in their next match.
Jonny Whitfield
