Sunderland were held to yet another frustrating result on Saturday when they came away from relegation-threatened Oxford United with just a point. 

January signing Jimmy Dunne had headed the Black Cats in front during the first half and, from there, you would have expected them to see out the win.

But Karl Robinson's side grew into the game and got their reward three minutes from time when Dunne went down tamely on the edge of his own box allowing Jerome Sinclair to set up Marcus Browne for a tap in.

With those above them picking up points as well, it left Jack Ross and his side in fourth place and five points behind the automatic promotion places but with two games in hand.

Even though it was a disappointing day, Ross will still be keen to learn as much as he can from the experience.

And here are THREE things he might have seen...

Too many changes 

In recent weeks, Ross has seemed intent on switching things up in his team by making changes.

Not a bad idea at all in isolation, but the Scot is probably making too many, with the likes of Gooch, Flanagan and O'Nien all consigned to the bench.

Replaced by the likes of recent signings Lewis Morgan, Grant Leadbitter and Dunne it has undoubtedly disrupted their rhythm.

Patience needed with Grigg

There is no doubt that Grigg will prove to be a brilliant signing for Sunderland.

He has an unbelievable record in the third tier but he will need a bit of time to adapt to his new team, hence the underwhelming display on Saturday.

Having been down the pecking order at Wigan he is probably regaining a bit of fitness as well at the moment.

O'Nien must start 

Since arriving from Wycombe in the summer, the versatile midfielder has become a very popular figure for his industrious displays, laced with moments of brilliance.

Nobody else in the Sunderland squad offers the same qualities, making him somebody who simply must start.

Two player of the month awards in a row from the club made Ross's decision all the more bizarre.