The Tangerines played out a thriller against Sunderland as they faced off for the first time since a 1-0 win back in April, but the home side were beaten by the Black Cats thanks to a hat-trick from forward Aiden O’Brien.
On the game, Critchley said: "I am honest enough to say when we don't play well and we get beaten by the better team then I would say which was the case when we lost to Cardiff City here recently.
"But I think the best team lost tonight. I think we were the better team.
"We created the better chances and we are just not getting that little bit of luck at both ends of the pitch.”
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"But I think the best team lost tonight. I think we were the better team.