Brentford Manager Mark Warburton promised a reaction from his side after admitting they "weren't good enough” in losing heavily away from home to Middlesbrough.
The Bees were beaten 4-0 at the Riverside Stadium yesterday and Mark, speaking after the match, said his side fell below their usual levels.
They failed to gain any momentum and fell behind late in the first half when Grant Leadbitter smashed in from distance.
Albert Adomah added a second just after half time before Patrick Bamford and the Kike scored later on.
Mark said his side would react to the loss; their next game is at home to Leeds United at Griffin Park next Saturday.
“We weren’t good enough today,” said the Brentford boss.
“We kept the ball in the first half and got it out from the back to get started, like we do.
“But then we lacked quality.
“In the final third we lacked quality and gave the ball away too easily.
“We played a good team, the margins are fine and if you fall below your levels that can happen.
“We weren’t good enough and we will get a reaction.”
Brentford started with their usual 4-1-4-1 formation.
They had Moses Odubajo, Alan Judge, Alex Pritchard and Jota in behind Andre Gray and Mark said he wanted more from those supporting the lone striker.
“We gave the ball away in key areas,” said Mark.
“Andre Gray held the ball up well in the first half and linked the play well.
“I was pleased with his contribution in the first half but we need more from our wide players and attacking midfield players.
“I am not doubting their effort or endeavour but today we lacked quality.
“Today the better team won, we weren’t good enough.”
The defeat was Brentford’s third of the season.
Mark said his players knew they had not played well enough and they would be working this week to ensure they were better against Leeds.
“We will get a reaction,” he said.
“We have a really strong group and the unity and harmony is really tight.
“They know that is not good enough.
“If you perform like that at this level you will get hurt and it could have been a couple more.
“We got in to good areas and didn’t punish them.
“We have to respond to that.
“We can work harder, train better and focus on key aspects of play.
“They have been very good for long periods of the season but we weren’t today and that is what happens.
“This is sport at a very high level.
“If you don’t take care of the football and start chasing against a good team – they were physically imposing, strong and had pace on the flanks – that can happen.
“In the first half we dealt with them.
“The first goal was a great strike.
“We were in the game at half time but we hadn’t tested their keeper.
“We had to recognise that and respond to it.”
Middlesbrough scored just before and just after half time.
Mark said his team could still have found a way back in to the game but lacked the quality to make it happen.
“There is never a good time to concede a goal,” he said.
“I haven’t seen the replay to look at it defensively but it was a wonderful strike.
“We were looking for a reaction but we conceded on 51 minutes and our back was against the wall.
“We still had attacking openings but lacked quality to punish them.”
Mark said the 567 fans that made the trip had been let down.
“The players are a good group, they are hungry and they are hurting,” he said.
“We all are.
“It will be a very long journey home.
“Our fans came in numbers and we let them down today.”
Full post-match reaction from Mark Warburton is available here for Bees Player subscribers.