Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray has said that his side have to be ‘more ruthless’ in front of goal after their defeat to Plymouth Argyle.
The Black Cats lost 2-0 to Argyle on Saturday afternoon in their first game back after the November international break.
Morgan Whittaker gave the hits at the lead with a wonderful striker from outside the box leaving Anthony Patterson no chance.
Finn Azaz then doubled their lead just before half time, with Steven Schumacher’s side seeing it out for their first win in four games.
Sunderland boss makes ‘ruthless’ claim
Speaking to the Newcastle Chronicle, Mowbray said his side need to be more ruthless in they are to score goals.
“We work with the strikers every day. I think they [Plymouth ] had two shots on target and scored both of them.
“I was a bit disappointed with the first half, that we didn’t get to the intensity that we should have. You have to put the ball in the net.
“It didn’t quite happen for us, we hit the post a couple of times, didn’t make the keeper work enough, but we got into lots of amazing positions in the box but just didn’t find the space or the pass – or the combination.
“I’m trying not to be harsh on them but it is frustrating, the fans made a long trip to come here today and we have to find a way to put the ball in the net, we have to be more ruthless. They are young players but they are footballers, they have to more ruthless, they have to understand we are all being judged.”
Mowbray right to be concerned
Mowbray is right.
Sunderland had 24 shots on Saturday, with eight of those on target – you have to be scoring with that many chances.
Meanwhile Plymouth only had ten, and made there’s count.
It brings up yet again the conversation about the need for a striker – with Luciano Rodriguez from Uruguay linked with a move last week.
Sunderland have not scored with a recognised striker since January when Ross Stewart was still at the club, and they have not properly replaced him after he left late in the summer window for Southampton.