JERMAIN Defoe insisted it was too early to hit the panic button in the wake of Cherries opening their Premier League campaign with back-to-back defeats.

New signing Defoe has been used as a second-half substitute by boss Eddie Howe in reverses against West Brom and Watford.

He replaced Benik Afobe after 59 minutes against the Hornets and looked on as goals from Richarlison and Etienne Capoue earned the visitors a 2-0 win at Vitality Stadium.

Defoe told the Daily Echo: “It was disappointing because we have so much quality in the dressing room and still feel there is a lot more to come from us.

“It is the Premier League and every game is difficult. If you look at the first goal, it was unlucky. Their player didn’t even know where the ball was. He just got up and poked it in. It was scrappy.

“Overall, we were disappointed because we have so much to offer. Once we start clicking and start firing then we will be fine.”

Defoe, who also lost his first two games with Sunderland last season, added: “Sometimes, it happens with teams.

“We had a good pre-season and, sometimes, it takes time. It is only two games, it is a long season, and once we score the first goal, it will build confidence.

“We will start getting our rhythm and then people will see the quality in the players and we will be able to express ourselves, like the lads did towards the end of last season.”