Bruce ponders tactical change

Black Cats boss thinking defensively for away games

Last updated: 11th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Bruce ponders tactical change

Bruce: Considering change

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Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has admitted he may have to rethink his approach for away matches.

The Black Cats have improved their home form this season, losing only one out of six Premier League games at the Stadium of Light.

However, apart from an impressive 2-2 draw at Manchester United and opening day success against Bolton, they have struggled on their travels.

Saturday's 2-0 reverse at Tottenham was Sunderland's fourth defeat on the road and Bruce is considering a tactical change for the future.

"Make no mistake, the threat of the team, especially at home, is going forward," he noted.

"Even with 10 men against West Ham, we looked to create lots and lots of chances.

Responsibility

"But we are a bit open and maybe I have got to look at that away from home. I have got to take a bit of responsibility too.

"But we have proved at Manchester that we are capable, even going with two strikers at Old Trafford.

"It's food for thought. I have to say, though, the home form has been the main thing we have improved on.

"We have now got to try to improve away from home if we possibly can."

Sunderland welcome high-flying Arsenal to the Stadium of Light in their next fixture before travelling to Wigan and then Fulham.

Bruce knows his men will have to be a bit more cautious at times, adding: "At home, we have got very, very attack-minded players who want to get forward.

"I am not just talking about formations, it is maybe our approach and we have got to be a bit more defensive."