We have to beat Wigan says Steve Bruce

Feb 2 2010 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

SUNDERLAND’S extended their winless run in the Premier League into double figures with another disappointing performance in a goalless draw with Stoke City last night – although there was more positive news in the transfer market.

Bruce’s side were unlucky not to be given a second-half penalty but while there was plenty of effort on show too much of it was misguided as Sunderland failed to take advantage of a home game against the team with the worst away record in the top flight.

Bruce said: “I couldn’t fault the effort and the endeavour, we’ve kept a clean sheet, but we forgot how to do the other things going forward, that’s frustrating. We got too caught up in the physical side.

“The pressure is on us against Wigan and we are desperate for that win to turn things round. But I’ve seen signs tonight of an improvement.

“We really rolled our sleeves up and we were resilient and if I’m honest, that’s been lacking recently.”

Bruce added: “I thought it was a blatant penalty and, while I don’t want to see any player sent off, but Dean Whitehead should have been sent off.

“He kicked Lee Cattermole but only got a yellow card.

“We had Michael Turner sent off before Christmas for making a genuine challenge and he got a four-game ban, but I don’t want to stay too much as I’ll get in trouble.”

The Black Cats had a hectic end to the transfer window and Bruce will be relatively happy with the state of his squad – if not their form. He had always maintained he would not pay over the odds for players in January, but he has managed to bring in two new faces in Matthew Kilgallon, and Alan Hutton.

Plus, he is also awaiting final clearance from the Football Assocation to confirm they managed to get the paperwork done in time to complete the signing of striker Benjani from Manchester City.

Given that both Daryl Murphy and David Healy were allowed to join Ipswich

Town on loan until the end of the season after late offers from former Black Cats boss Roy Keane, it must be hoped Benjani’s move is a formality.