JACK ROSS took responsibility for Sunderland losing their unbeaten start to the season when they were beaten by Burton Albion.

Having avoided defeat in the first seven league fixtures, the Black Cats lost limply at the Pirelli Stadium, the damage being done during a damaging first half.

Burton scored twice before the break and striker Charlie Wyke was stretchered off in his first league start after returning to fitness following an injury to the same knee that he hurt today.

He was replaced by Chris Maguire, who pulled a goal back early during a second period in which Ross’ team improved marginally, but they did not come close to an equaliser.

The display disappointed the thousands of Sunderland fans that travelled, some of whom booed at half-time after a poor opening 45 minutes, and Ross did not shy away from it.

“The first half performance, if you replicate that you won’t win many matches at any level of the game and that was reflected in the scoreline at that stage of the game,” he said.

“In the second half we were better without being fluent, but at least we looked interested in winning the game.

“The first half was way below the standards we need to be successful this season, but it’s my responsibility as the manager.

“It’s my team selection, my preparation. Regardless if a performance is good or bad it should always fall on my shoulders to try and rectify the issues.”

Josh Maja missed a good chance at 0-0, and soon after Burton took the lead, Jamie Allen pouncing on a loose ball after Jack Baldwin diverted Marvin Sordell’s low cross from the right on 19 minutes.

It became 2-0 on 36 minutes, defender Kyle McFadzean heading powerfully beyond Jon McLaughlin after meeting David Templeton’s free-kick on the right.

Ross added: “We had a good chance and after it we then conceded and the reaction was not good. Half-time probably came at a good time for us.

“We dragged ourselves back into it, but it’s a real tough ask to come to any team and get something from the game after going two goals behind.”

Sunderland’s day was made worse by Wyke’s injury, the striker lying on the ground for a lengthy period after a challenge with Burton goalkeeper Dimitar Evtimov midway inside the opposition half.

Ross was unable to add much detail on Wyke’s condition, but hopes the players has not sustained significant damage.

He said: “It was a significant impact when he challenged the goalkeeper and it’s the same knee that was injured when he came to the club.

“He’s in a bit of pain. Sometimes these things settle and they’re not as bad as you fear, but they can go the other way as well.

“We’ll look at him for the next 24 hours, but it’s a blow for him because he’s still working his way back to full match sharpness.”