SAFC 1 Charlton 3 - Mick Said...

Mick McCarthy was optimistic that the weekend's opening defeat at home to Charlton wasn't a barometer of what to expect from his squad this season.

Charlton went ahead in only the 10th minute from a Marcus Bent goal but were equal by half time thanks to a goal from Andy Gray on his Sunderland debut. However Charlton sealed the win thanks to a goal from a Danny Murphy free kick in the second half, and another goal from Bent, late in injury time.

Mick said, "I was happy enough at half time.

"We gave the ball away for the first one, gave away a free kick for the second but the third one doesn't concern me greatly.

"It was a mixed performance.....we got back in the game - deservedly so - but we never got the chance to see if the man advantage would work in our favour."

But the gaffer's confident he knows exactly where the mistakes were made, and what needs working on. "We gave the ball away too easily, didn't mark well, gave the free kick away and Danny Murphy did what Danny Murphy does best!"

And in conclusion, McCarthy said he had no complaint with his players' efforts. "They worked hard, gave everything and I have no grouse with them.

"I'm full of praise for the lads for going for it. I'm happier with 3-1 than sitting back and accepting a 2-1 defeat. I admire their efforts."