Elliott Dickman has reflected on Friday’s defeat at Brighton by admitting his side must sharpen up at both ends of the pitch.
Sunderland under-23s’ hopes of reaching the knockout stages of the Premier League Cup were dealt a blow when Brighton & Hove Albion completed the double over them.
Viktor Gyokeres proved tough to keep quiet for the Black Cats as he assisted Jiri Stalak’s opener before later doubling his side’s advantage on the stroke of half-time.
Swedish striker, Gyokeres, then saw his cross turned home by Josh Robson who miscued his clearance. Elliot Embleton reduced to arrears from the penalty spot but it proved too little too late as Dickman’s side suffered defeat in group H.
“In possession we played some really good football,” Dickman said.
“With some of the young lads playing – Jake Hackett, Jack Diamond, Lee Connelly and Benji Kimpioka – all starting it was going to be difficult.
“We moved Owen Gamble into midfield, alongside Embleton, and we did really well.
“We moved it forward a lot and created a few chances and had some good efforts early on in the game.
“Even as it wore on we continued to push to score goals,” he continued.
“We felt like we dominated the ball but that little bit of care in the final third let us down.
“But when you concede the goals we have done at Brighton you are never going to win a game of football.”