Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill has urged his players "to take the sting out of matches" following their 1-1 draw with Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday.

Steven Fletcher gave the Black Cats the lead at the Stadium of Light in the 29th minute, with Luis Suarez equalising for the visitors on 71 minutes.

"It was always going to be difficult with Liverpool searching for that equalising goal," O'Neill is quoted as saying by Sky Sports.

"Not many in the stadium would say that they didn't deserve it. We gave the ball away a little bit in the second half and I think that is something we must improve on.

"When we're under pressure in games we need to be able to take the sting out of matches. It was disappointing to concede the goal, especially at a point where we were just getting back into the game in terms of possession."

Sunderland have collected three points from as many matches in the Premier League so far.