Consistency is key to Sunderland success - Bruce

Oct 17 2009 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

Liverpool are without Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard - in some people’s eyes their entire two-man team - and with Javier Mascherano and Lucas Leiva only back from South America yesterday and summer signing Alberto Aquilani not ready to make his debut, Rafael Benitez’s men could have an unusually soft centre.

Results show post-Xabi Alonso, this is not the same side which came so close to ending the club’s 19-year barren streak in terms of titles, as evidenced by defeats in their last two games against Fiorentina and Chelsea.

To Bruce, though, that could be more of a hindrance than a help.

The former Manchester United defender warned: “When big teams get wounded they want to go out and prove they are a top team. Liverpool are a big team, a big club with a great tradition, great history and top, top, top players.

“When they have lost twice back-to-back you know they will want to respond.

“I hope we can play as we did at Old Trafford and if we do play like that in front of a capacity crowd and a terrific atmosphere we will give them a good run.”

The manner of the Manchester United performance, rather than its outcome, could be the kickstart Sunderland need to finally break into the top half this season or a brilliant blip. Bruce is determined to ensure it is the former.

“It was a shame they did not quite hang on at Old Trafford, it would have been a fantastic victory and given everybody a huge confidence boost,” acknowledges Bruce. “But when you take the aftermath away and study it we played extremely well.

“From one to 11 we have to meet those standards and too often there have been signs of inconsistency this season. We have to repeat that performance – if we don’t we will get our backsides kicked.

“We have set standards and we have to do that for six months, then you have the makings of a good team. I think we are progressing nicely.”

In among the smell of hot dogs and cooking fat there will be a tangible feel-good factor in the Wearside air today.

A win would put Sunderland above Liverpool in the table after a start built on home form.

Since kicking off their Stadium of Light campaign with defeat to Chelsea, the Black Cats have won all four games.

As a North East native, Bruce appreciates the scale of the vote of confidence he will be handed today, but realises hopes have been raised before only to be cruelly dashed.

He said: “I am told we are bordering on a sell-out which is fantastic in these tough times.

“Everton, Tottenham and Villa have been doing it year in, year out and we have not. My aim is to get us there.”