At the Amex Stadium tonight, the Blues were well beaten, with a Brighton goal inside four minutes setting the tone for the game.

The Seagulls doubled their lead early in the second half and completed the scoring in stoppage time, condemning us to a fifth consecutive league defeat without scoring. Rosenior gave his verdict afterwards.

‘In the basics, in the pride you should have in wearing the shirt, that was unacceptable,’ he said.

‘I've defended the players, and I am accountable. I've always said that. But after tonight, I think the players as well need to have a look in the mirror for what they put in. We lost 80 per cent of duels. We didn't win a header. Two of the goals come when we could head the ball. At any level, if you make those errors and lack of engagement, you're not going to win games of football.

‘I saw commitment against Manchester United three days ago. We lost the game, but the performance was very, very good. Today was the complete opposite in every aspect. That's what disappointed me the most.’

Rosenior recognised Blues supporters are angry right now. His focus is on lifting their mood by galvanising the squad ahead of our FA Cup semi-final against Leeds on Sunday and progressing to next month’s Wembley showpiece with a much-needed victory.

‘I understand why the fans are frustrated. I'm frustrated with the performances we're putting in. I've just got to keep working hard with the staff, with the players.

‘I need to work with the staff 24 hours a day. We need to make the correct decisions for the team for a massive game on Sunday. And we will do the very, very best we can to turn it around.’