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| Sam Allardyce blasted his players after the defeat |
SAM ALLARDYCE lambasted his Sunderland players for the seven minutes of madness that condemned them to a chastening 6-2 defeat yesterday against an Everton side inspired by Arouna Kone's hat-trick.
Sunderland fought back from 2-0 down but imploded thereafter to endure a humiliating reverse that conspired to keep them in the relegation zone.
New manager Allardyce admitted he was worried by the naivety of the display and said: "I am obviously concerned about the lack of understanding in certain periods of the game.
"When we got the second we decided to go and attack, attack, attack for the third and within seven minutes we tossed the game away because we allowed Everton to score three very silly, sloppy goals from counter attacks that they didn't have to work hard for.
“We had 17 attempts on goal and 12 on target. At the top end we can score a goal and create chances but until we get into the habit of defending better out of possession it is worthless how many goals we score if we defend like that.
“That lack of discipline and organisation as a team is obviously the biggest concern for me.”
Kone, who was booed by his own fans when he came off the bench in the opening game of the season, was due to be out of contract in the summer but he has now triggered an appearance-based clause which entitles him to extend for a further 12 months.
“It has been as difficult as you can get. It was a career-threatening injury,” said Martinez.
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| Arouna Kone scored his first Everton hat-trick against Sunderland |
“His attitude, his focus, never changed and he never chose to blame anyone and anything.
“Against Watford, in difficult circumstances, it was a real turning point and from that point on he has been very impressive.
“Today was the most complete 90 minutes he has had and it was a phenomenal 90 minutes because it triggers an extension to his contract.
“He is a sensational example to any young footballer facing adversity.
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