Bardsley sounds danger warning

Apr 6 2009 By Stuart Rayner, The Journal

Full debutant Junior Stanislas’ opening goal originated from a Sunderland corner, while James Tomkins came from a West Ham one, when former Hammers defender Anton Ferdinand lost the 20-year-old, then saw the recalled Craig Gordon unable

to keep out his header. Even more alarmingly, as soon as Stanislas’ 42nd-minute strike hit the back of the net, the Wearsiders’ confidence seemed to visibly evaporate.

"It was a terrible goal to concede," Bardsley said. "It was our corner and they came up the pitch and scored. The second goal we conceded from a set piece again and it has punished us. It is not good enough. We were not at the races and it was disappointing again."

Some of those in the away end might beg to differ, but Bardsley claimed he could not spot a lack of desire in any of his team-mates.

"I don’t doubt the lads want it, we just need to see a bit more," he said. "All of us generally need to show more. Times are tough but we have to roll up our sleeves and really have a go now.

"I don’t think it was anything to do with anything else, we knew what we had to do, we did not do it.

"We have been punished again and we’re saying again and again we’re not learning.

"Confidence is becoming a bit low but it is up to us now to have a real go. If we do, I am sure we will be OK."

The match was Sunderland’s sixth without a win, and their next game is at home to Manchester United. Bardsley, though, thinks the lack of expectation on them could help psychologically.

"Maybe that is what we need, a game against a big team," he said. "The players will have to give a big performance because that is what isneeded. We have 32 points and two of the teams around us picked up points so we will have to start picking points immediately.

"It is up to everyone on Saturday, isn’t it? The fans have to come to the game and get behind us. If they don’t, it is another hurdle we have to get over."