Speaking to the Chronicle Live, Marc Wilson has insisted that Sunderland’s performance against Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium was much improved, despite the Black Cats failing to pick up any points and suffering a 1-0 defeat.

Sunderland embarked on a new chapter yesterday, as they began life without Simon Grayson, who lost his job at the Stadium of Light following Tuesday night’s 3-3 draw with Bolton Wanderers. Robbie Stockdale and Billy McKinlay were placed in temporary charge for yesterday’s contest, which was settled by Marcus Tavernier’s early goal.

Tavernier’s strike came moments after Lewis Grabban squandered an excellent chance to put Sunderland into the lead. The Black Cats carved open a number of other opportunities, but it was Boro who finished the game victorious, leaving Sunderland bottom of the Sky Bet Championship table.

Despite failing to add to their one victory of the season, Wilson, 30, drew on the positives, claiming that Sunderland had put in an improved performance against Boro, he said: “We’re disappointed we conceded an early goal and I thought we could have scored a few but I think performance-wise we were better. It’s about the next game now and trying to dig ourselves out.

“We worked hard this week in training to nail down the shape and be solid as a team. I thought the boys worked really hard to be honest and we got on the ball at times, we just weren’t ruthless enough.”

Sunderland’s last victory came in early August, and they are now left rooted to the bottom of the Championship table heading into November’s international break, three points behind Burton Albion, who sit 21^st.

The Black Cats face Millwall at the Stadium of Light following the international break, before heading to Aston Villa and Burton for back-to-back away fixtures.

The Verdict

Sunderland looked a lot more confident against Middlesbrough yesterday, but ultimately paid the price for not taking their chances, with Garry Monk’s side punishing them following the game’s standout move.

Keeping up that level of performance will be key for Sunderland if they are to avoid relegation this season. In Grabban they have a striker who is usually clinical, and if Sunderland can continue to create him chances, they have a chance of survival. 

Sunderland fans… Let us know your thoughts!