Sunderland boss Peter Reid was remaining defiant after seeing his side slip to defeat at home to Everton despite creating more than enough chances to win the game.
Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips suffered another bout of penalty misery as Everton keeper Richard Wright turned from villain to hero to earn a 1-0 victory for the visitors.
Kevin Campbell and Richard Wright combined to heap the pressure on Sunderland boss Peter Reid as Everton snatched three points at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips suffered another bout of penalty misery as Everton keeper Richard Wright turned from villain to hero to earn a 1-0 victory for the visitors.
Sunderland boss Peter Reid was remaining defiant after seeing his side slip to defeat at home to Everton despite creating more than enough chances to win the game.
The feeling that it was not going to be Sunderland’s day grew with 70 minutes gone when Quinn was pushed as he tried to meet Reyna’s corner and referee Rob Styles pointed to the spot.
Seven days may be a long time in politics, but for Peter Reid it must seem an alarmingly brief period in which to find a striker before next Saturday's transfer deadline.
The signings of Stephen Wright and Matthew Piper have gone at least some way to appeasing a lot of disgruntled Sunderland fans. Unfortunately, the day's attendance of 37,698 meant that almost 25% of the stadium's seats were left vacant.