Mignolet had not played for the first team in seven weeks before Saturday

Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet says his delight at a return to the side was tinged with disappointment after Saturday's 2-0 defeat by Everton.

The Belgium under-21 international made a first start since the 2-1 defeat by Notts County in January after Craig Gordon suffered a knee problem.

"I'm happy to play again, but on the other hand if you lose 2-0 you can't be happy," Mignolet told BBC Newcastle.

"We have to accept this defeat, but next week there's another game."

Mignolet added: "If after 20 minutes you're losing 2-0, then it's a difficult game."

Saturday's defeat was the club's fourth in succession, following losses to Chelsea, Stoke and Tottenham Hotspur ahead of a trip to Arsenal at the weekend.

"Last year, the team took points away from home against the big teams, and we have to do that this time," he said.

"Every single game we can win three points, so we have to do our best and forget this week, because if it stays on our mind, it will be more difficult to win."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version