Bruce To Rethink Away Tactics

I think everyone will agree that our home performances have changed dramatically since Bruce has taken charge (for the good). We are after all unbeaten at home since our first home game of the season against Chelsea.

Our away form however has been a cause for concern. Although our performances on the road have not been particularly bad, we just haven´t picked up enough points. Points that were there for the taking. Apart from our 2-2 draw against Man Utd (a game we really should have won) we haven´t picked up any points away from home since our first game of the season against Bolton!

He said: “Make no mistake, the threat of the team, especially at home, is going forward.

“Even with 10 men against West Ham, we looked to create lots and lots of chances.

“But we are a bit open and maybe I have got to look at that away from home. I have got to take a bit of responsibility too.

“But we have proved at Manchester that we are capable, even going with two strikers at Old Trafford.

“It’s food for thought. I have to say, though, the home form has been the main thing we have improved on. We have now got to try to improve away from home if we possibly can.”

However, Bruce understands that Sunderland may have to be more cautious at times, particularly away from home.

He said: “At home, we have got very, very attack-minded players who want to get forward.

“I am not just talking about formations, it is maybe our approach and we have got to be a bit more defensive.”