Sunderland boss David Moyes believes his players must start taking more responsibility on the pitch after he saw them surrender a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Two goals from Jermain Defoe put the Black Cats into a commanding position at the Stadium of Light, as Moyes went in search of his first win in the Premier League since succeeding Sam Allardyce as manager during the summer.

However his side were not able to hold on to their advantage, with goals from Joe Ledley, James McArthur and an injury-time header from Christian Benteke handing Palace a 3-2 success.

The result means Sunderland have now lost five of their opening six top-flight matches this season and they have slipped to bottom of the league standings.

Moyes knows his side must start improving sooner rather than later and he believes his players must start taking more responsibility on the field.

He said: “We need people to take responsibility. We need the players to have a level of responsibility that not everything is led by me or the staff.”

The former Everton boss was particularly disappointed by his side’s defensive lapses against the Eagles, and he believes they should not be surrendering a two-goal lead to anyone.

“When you go 2-0 up, you play better and you make sure you defend. You don’t lose the headers, you don’t lose the challenges,” he added.

Moyes will be hoping to secure his first league win at the seventh attempt when his side take on West Brom on home soil next Saturday.

The Black Cats are available at 2.40 to defeat the Baggies, who are on offer at 3.00, while the draw is priced at 3.10.