Breen: Lack of experience has been costly

Sunderland skipper Gary Breen admitted his side have lacked the experience and ability to stay in the Barclays Premiership after seeing them collect another unwanted record.

However, the 32-year-old Republic of Ireland international insists they could not have worked any harder to prolong their stay in the top flight.

Yesterday’s 3-0 home defeat by Champions League finalists Arsenal left the Black Cats with just 12 points from their 36 league games to date and unable to beat the all-time low 19-point total they set during the 2002-03 season.

Breen said: “I could understand if the fans were really getting at us, but I think they are quite a knowledgeable crowd. They realise this is a young, inexperienced team and not a lot of money has been spent on it in the three years I’ve been here.

“We did fantastically well to win the league last season, but it was a big ask coming into this league. Our supporters are aware of that. I think they would have a go if they saw players on big wages struggling and not giving their all.

“We may have lacked experience and ability, but I don’t think we have lacked endeavour or hard work.”

Sunderland’s relegation to the Coca-Cola Championship was confirmed on Good Friday, but ironically as a disastrous season draws to a close, there was optimism at the Stadium of Light yesterday.

The reason was the presence of former striker Niall Quinn in the stands as he and his Irish consortium continue talks aimed at taking over the club, and the atmosphere was strangely at odds with events on the pitch.

Things were going reasonably until defender Danny Collins headed a 28th-minute Thierry Henry free-kick into his own net before setting up Cesc Fabregas to make it 2-0 12 minutes later.

The imperious Frenchman’s 30th goal of the season arrived courtesy of a 43rd-minute free-kick and the points were safe.

Henry was given a standing ovation by a crowd of 44,003 when he left the pitch with 18 minutes remaining, but as he and his team-mates started to turn their thoughts to their big date with Barcelona, the Wearsiders were considering a less palatable future.

The success or otherwise of Quinn’s attempt to buy the club could have implications for the playing staff and Breen, who has an option of another year with the club, is one of those who will have a decision to make.

However, he is concentrating solely on Thursday night’s clash with Fulham which presents Sunderland with a final opportunity to win a Premiership home game.

Yesterday’s defeat was their 14th in the league this season with only West Brom, West Ham, Bolton and Tottenham having failed to take all three points at the Stadium of Light.

“I don’t want to talk about contracts and stuff like that,” said Breen. “I’m just focusing on Thursday’s game against Fulham and trying to get this home win.

“We have one more chance to do it and if we can, then it will be great. We don’t want this record of not having won at home all season. The whole season has been a nightmare, to be honest.

“We all feel a terrible burden with the way things have gone.”

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger left the north-east fuming at the tackle by substitute Dan Smith which left Abou Diaby with a fractured and dislocated ankle, but happy with his side’s performance.

“We played well, he said. “We controlled the game in the first half and in the second half, we eased off a bit maybe without losing our shape and our seriousness.

“Overall, I think it was a deserved victory.”