FRUSTRATED Seb Larsson accepts Sunderland fans want action and not words, even if he is convinced David Moyes is the right man, with the right men, to steer the club away from relegation danger.

The Black Cats already prop up the Premier League after failing to win any of their opening six matches and the mood around the club worsened with Saturday’s 3-2 defeat to Crystal Palace.

After watching Sunderland throw away a two-goal lead at the Stadium of Light, Moyes admitted afterwards his team deserve to be at the foot of the table and suggested slow recruitment during a summer when Sam Allardyce left did not help.

Swedish midfielder Larsson, speaking at St Anthony’s Girls Catholic Academy yesterday when he helped celebrate the European Day of Languages, was as disappointed as the fans as he watched the action unfold against Palace.

Having previously been involved in a number of relegation escape acts during his time at Sunderland, he is certain things can turn around under Moyes ahead of another home date on Saturday with West Brom that has already grown in importance.

“I know players can say things, I know people will say things like ‘he’s crazy’ or they won’t want to read things, but that’s normal in our situation,” said Larsson, sidelined after knee surgery in the summer. “But it’s my opinion and there is definitely enough in there.

“We have to stick together, gel more as a team and when you get yourself in a position it is about getting to know yourselves as a team, be smarter to see out games. If you can tweak those bits we will be OK.”

The majority of the fans walked out of the Stadium of Light as soon as Christian Benteke headed in Palace’s winner and there has been criticism hurled Sunderland’s way in the aftermath; Moyes has also had to take his share of it, with many fans questioning some of the signings he has made.

Larsson said: “It's very disappointing, especially what happened at the weekend because that could have given us our first win and put us on our way. But it didn't happen and we have to deal with that massive disappointment.

“You have to learn from it and make sure it doesn't happen again. You ask ‘what would I say to the fans?’ Well at this stage I don't think they want to hear much from us at all.

“I just think they want to see us try to perform and give 100 per cent. It has turned around for us in previous years, it just needs to turn around a bit earlier this year. That's the feeling I have.”

Larsson was a frustrated observer in the stands as Sunderland slipped to a fifth defeat from six league games. It means they have gone without a league win in August and September for the fourth year in a row.

Larsson said: “I don't know why. I spoke about it after the game to a friend of mine. If I knew the answer, it wouldn't be happening because I would have told someone 'do this instead!'

“It doesn't help, the pressure is on and there is negativity around the place, but we have to use that and turn it round. We have to do that earlier this season, and not wait until the last couple of months of the season. Let's turn it around before Christmas and give ourselves a chance to have a decent season, regardless of what people say.

“We have been written off before and I'm sure we have been written off again by a lot of people – let's prove them wrong.”

Larsson took time out from his rehabilitation work to visit Sunderland’s St Anthony’s Girls Academy yesterday along with Sunderland Ladies’ goalkeeper Hilde Gunn Olsen.

They got involved in a number of activities related to their own country, including singing and language classes as well as football.

Larsson said: "It's brilliant. Whenever you are asked to do something, especially if it involves making kids happy in the community, it's one of the things you always appreciate. It's always nice to see the happy faces and the reception you get is very nice.

"You know what the club means to the community. We are normal people, just like everyone else. I remember when I was a kid, Arsenal came over to my home town in Sweden and did a training camp, my dad was involved with the local football club so I was lucky to meet some of them.

"I’m itching to get back out on the pitch but it's nice to be able to come and do different things, it makes you happy that people here are pleased to see you. It gives you that little boost to get back even quicker.”

Sunderland’s EFL Cup fourth round game at Southampton has been arranged for Wednesday, October 26 (7.45pm).