Paolo Di Canio was left with mixed emotions as Sunderland beat MK Dons 4-2 in the second round of the Capital One Cup on Tuesday night.
The Black Cats found themselves two goals behind after 54 minutes but managed to bag four in the final 12 minutes to ease the pressure on the Italian manager who had differing views on his side's performance.
"It was very bad, but I know also it is easy to play badly in this game. Unfortunately, it happens even to the top clubs who play with the top players in this league," he said after the match.
"It's something that have thought for many years, why do top teams in the cup in England have to go out easily against League One and League Two sides? I don't understand.
"But I understand [now]. I was worried, and I was right, but I took something really good from the last 15 minutes, the ambition, the desire, the pride and the goals that we scored in style.
"I am very, very happy for 15 minutes; I am very, very angry for 75, so the balance is not very good."
Goals from Patrick Bamford and Izale McLeod had the Dons ahead before Jozy Altidore, a brace from Connor Wickham and Adam Johnson saved the day for Sunderland.
