Source: Northern_Echo
Ferdinand confident there’s no hangover
ANTON Ferdinand has urged Sunderland to bounce back from their defeat to Liverpool and insists they must not feel sorry for themselves.[LNB] An incorrectly awarded penalty gave Kenny Dalglish's side a first-half breakthrough on Sunday.[LNB] The Black Cats were stunned by the decision of assistant Billy Smallwood when referee Kevin Friend had initially given a free-kick for John Mensah's foul on Jay Spearing.[LNB] TV replays confirmed the foul was a least a yard outside the area, but a penalty was awarded and Dirk Kuyt netted.[LNB] It was a massive suckerpunch for the Wearsiders, who were well in control prior to the incident and it was clear afterwards the incorrect decision had left Steve Bruce's men deflated.[LNB] Although the penalty decision gave Liverpool momentum, Ferdinand admits the Black Cats could have done more to get back into the game and says they must not dwell on the manner of the defeat.[LNB] We were playing well in the first half-hour, looked on top and were very confident but it changed the game and we never really got going after it,'' he reflected.[LNB] We can't look at that (luck going against them), we've got to make sure we don't start feeling sorry for ourselves and looking at injuries and things that happened in the game, but we have to look at ourselves and make sure we bounce back and start playing the way we know we can.[LNB] It is hard to pick yourself up when you get decisions like that going against you because you're emotionally involved and it hurts you, but as professionals we have to learn to let it go and get on with it.[LNB] I think the referee said it was a free-kick outside the area but the linesman gave it and in fairness that's his job.[LNB] I was quite close to it, it was definitely outside the box.[LNB] Sometimes you get them, sometimes you don't but we have to bounce back and keep our heads up and make sure we finish the season strong.[LNB] Sunday's defeat means Sunderland have now lost five of their last six games, form which has seen them slip down to ninth in the Premier League table.[LNB] One positive from the loss was the return to action of captain Lee Cattermole, who has been missing for three months with a back injury and Ferdinand admits having the midfielder back is a huge boost.[LNB] It is about character and we've got a lot that in this dressing room, the 26-yearold said.[LNB] That's one thing you can't fault with us and it's nice to see the captain back. He's one person with a huge character so we've got no problems there.[LNB] He's a big influence both on and off the pitch and someone who the lads look up to, especially his work rate, the way he gets about the pitch.[LNB] That's what we base our football on and he's the epitome of our football and that's why he's captain.'' Ferdinand was one of five players to suffer knocks on Sunday, but the defender is sure he will be fit for the trip to Manchester.[LNB] The Black Cats have already shown they can compete with the top teams this season, and Ferdinand believes the disappointment of Sunday's loss highlights the progress the club has made.[LNB] It's always disappointing when you're playing at home, especially at an arena like this with our fans, not to beat people, that's shows how far the club has come.[LNB] "The fact we're playing one of the top teams in the country and everyone is upset that we've lost is a sign of progress and it's good to be a part of it."[LNB]
