Captain Lorik Cana has ordered Sunderland to learn the lessons of their shock capitulation at Birmingham if they are to prosper in the Barclays Premier League.

The Black Cats arrived at St Andrew's having taken four points from the last six possible - at Manchester United and at home to Liverpool.

Hopes were therefore high as they headed for the midlands. But that optimism was blown away inside 48 minutes as Birmingham, playing in front of new owner Carson Yeung for the first time, served up a 2-1 home victory.

Strikes from Liam Ridgewell and James McFadden secured the points, although Scott Dann's late own goal prompted a frenetic finish during which the visitors very nearly snatched a point they did not deserve.

It was all too familiar for Sunderland, who had earlier lost at both Stoke and Burnley after good home wins.

Cana said: "It's very disappointing for us, but it's not the first time this season after some good results. Especially when we have won at home sometimes, we can't keep our level of play - and we must turn that around in future games."