Chris Coleman has urged his players to ‘take charge’ of situations more often if they are to climb the league.
2018 began in disappointing circumstances this afternoon on Wearside as Sunderland slipped to a narrow defeat against Barnsley.
After a slow start, the injury-ravaged Black Cats were dealt a major blow when Darron Gibson limped off inside 24 minute before Ethan Pinnock stooped low to head home Zeki Fryers’ in-swinging corner early in the second 45.
Sunderland fought their way back and carved out a number of openings, Paddy McNair volleyed wide, Josh Maja headed over and then James Vaughan saw his hooked effort blocked on the line by what appeared to be the arm of the Barnsley defender. The referee dismissed strong appeals and Sunderland were ultimately left to taste defeat.
Speaking to safc.com post-match, Coleman mulled over a frustrating afternoon at the Stadium of Light.
“When you see the goal we have conceded it kind of optimised us all afternoon really,” he said.
“We were slow to take charge and we were bullied really from the first minute.
“Barnsley deserved the three points. There might have been a penalty right at the end but it would’ve been harsh on them.
“It was hard for us because we lost Darron Gibson after 30 minutes and we are short in that area with injuries.
“That was tough and we lost Marc Wilson before the game,” he continued.
“We had to revamp it a little bit but we never took charge of it today. They started bright and we never really got into it.
“We showed some good signs but after we lost Darron we never really got into our rhythm.
“Here at home, I can see it is a bit too much for us and because of the position we are in.
“We were on our heels, we looked nervous and we should’ve stepped in and taken more charge of the situation.”