Sunderland full-back Billy Jones has admitted that his side have been embarrassed by some of their defending so far this season.

The Black Cats currently prop up the Premier League table after failing to win any of their opening seven league games, and in doing so have conceded 16 goals.

The Wearsiders are yet to keep a clean sheet this term and Jones and his colleagues are under pressure to perform, with some individual errors having proved costly in the past few weeks.

Versatile former West Brom man Jones admitted: “I think for the whole team it would be massive to keep a clean sheet.

“We’ve conceded far too many goals and we’re embarrassed by that and disappointed by that. This league is so unforgiving – you make those mistakes and it usually ends with players scoring goals.”

Sunderland are 1.25 to be relegated this season, with Newcastle United 2.40.

Next up for Dick Advocaat’s side is a visit from West Ham United, who have started the season with a run of stunning successes away from home.

The Hammers have already secured victories at Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City this season, with Slaven Bilic’s men proving to be masters on the road.

Last season this fixture ended in a 1-1 draw, while a late Diafra Sakho goal gave the Irons all three points from a 1-0 victory in the meeting at Upton Park in March.

The Londoners are likely to come up against former Hammers man Jermain Defoe on Saturday, with the England international having scored five times this season, but failing to find the net in his last three appearances.