Iran were 2-0 down inside 33 minutes and facing a heavy defeat by China on Sunday before shaking off their early nerves and rallying for a 2-2 draw.

Ghalenoei said Iran were developing a worrying trend after also going behind to an own goal against Uzbekistan before recovering to win 2-1.

"We had a good second half even though China added defensive players but I'm sorry we were so up and down," said the coach.

"We have to think about it and resolve this problem."

Iran goalkeeper Hassan Roudbarian had an especially shaky start, dropping a routine cross before failing to keep out Shao Jiayi's 35-yard free-kick. Roudbarian was beaten at his near post again by Mao Jianqing's second.

But Ghalenoei defended Roudbarian, who also looked at fault for Rahman Rezaei's own goal against Uzbekistan.

"He was very close to stopping the first goal but he couldn't see it very well and it went in," the coach said.

"But the Chinese goalkeeper let in some goals too so you can't say Roudbarian was totally guilty."