Speaking to Sunderland’s official website, Robbin Ruiter has insisted that the Black Cats are ready to put recent results behind them after letting the club’s supporters down.  

After an impressive start to the season, which saw the Black Cats pick up five-points from their opening three fixtures, Simon Grayson’s side suffered back-to-back defeats prior to the international break, losing to Leeds United and Barnsley and failing to capitalise on a positive start.

Goalkeeper Ruiter has admitted that Sunderland’s form over before the international break was not good enough, and that they let the club’s supporters down, he said: “Our last two league games weren’t great from our side.

“We let ourselves down, we let our fans down and I know we can play way better football than we did.

“It was good for all of us to have a couple of days off, to get our mind fresh again so we can prepare for the next game against Sheffield United.

“Now we have to show everyone we can play way better than what we have done in the last couple of games.”

Sunderland return to the Stadium of Light this weekend, where they face Sheffield United, just days before entertaining Nottingham Forest on Tuesday evening.

Grayson’s side will be going in search of their second Championship victory of the season, and their first on home soil, after a draw and defeat from their opening two fixtures in the North East.

Deadline day arrivals including Callum McManaman, Marc Wilson and Jonny Williams, will all be in contention to make their Sunderland debut, having arrived at the club on transfer deadline day, midway through last week’s international break.

The Verdict

Despite a positive start, Sunderland have looked poor in their last two fixtures in the Championship, with the performance of Grayson’s side well below what is required to compete in the Championship.

The deadline day trio that have arrived will provide those at the Stadium of Light with a boost, but it is absolutely vital that Grayson’s side return to winning ways at some point this week.

As Ruiter mentions – Sunderland’s players have let their supporters down, and it is now down to them to turn things around in the coming week.

Sunderland fans… Let us know your thoughts!