Head coach David Wagner says that mistakes leading to goals have cost his team in their 3-1 defeat to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
Hwang Ui-Jo had given City a 1-0 lead after 23 minute before Sunderland recovered to lead by the break.
An 80th-minute Jack Clarke penalty then sealed the three points for the hosts.
"Performance-wise, it was ok," Wagner said. "We started in the first half defending in a mid-block, break them on transition. I think that worked quite well, scored and had a couple more shot opportunities.
"But unfortunately, we've conceded goals again where individuals have made big mistakes which are not down to tactical ideas."
Chances did come in the second half with Christian Fassnacht heading against the post while Onel Hernández and Hwang were foiled by last-ditch Sunderland defending.
"In the second half when we were 2-1 down, I thought we were very good in the game. We were switched on, we had red zone entries, we had shots but decision-making in the final third to pick up a further pass was not top.
"Again, it was individual mistakes in the opponent's box where you have to pick up the right pass to break opponents down to score, and to change the game with goals. This is what we have not done today again. Performance-wise, I would say it was ok but the goals we've conceded were very frustrating."
With over a week now to next Sunday's midday clash with Blackburn Rovers, Wagner again highlighted how important it is for his squad to regain their confidence to turn around the current run of results.
He outlined the character within the squad, however mistakes at the moment are proving to be too costly.
"It's not that the dressing room does not stick together. You can see how they tried to chase the game when we were down and how they decided to lift individuals when they made mistakes," he said.
"But, at the end of the day, this is something where we lack at the minute. The mistakes we're making at the minute are too big.
"We have to prepare the team as well as we can always for the opponent we face, give them an idea of how we can create opportunities. We limited them today, they had opportunities but if you think back to the goals, they are presents."