Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey said it was “very difficult to lose” after his side were beaten 5-3 by Manchester City in the fifth round of the Premier League.
Brobbey scored all three of Sunderland’s goals, but his hat-trick was not enough to prevent defeat in an eight-goal match.
Sunderland have four points from their opening five games and sit 14th in the Premier League table. Manchester City are top with 15 points.