Sam Allardyce has admitted that Sunderland must improve defensively if they are to retain their Premier League status.

The Black Cats shipped six goals away at Everton this afternoon to take their goals against tally for the season to 25 in 11 outings, which is a division high.

Asked for his reaction by BBC Sport to his side's defensive display at Goodison Park, Allardyce conceded that they could be in for a "long haul" if progress is not made soon.

"The defensive frailties were just too much in the side today and we allowed Everton to win the game comfortably in the end," he said.

"If we don't sort those out, and we are going to give it away like we did when we get to 2-2 today, it will be a long haul over the next few months or so."

The result has left Sunderland second from bottom, with just one victory to their name this term.