Sam Allardyce reveals concern at Sunderland's lack of goals

Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce is urging his side to be more clinical in front of goal, ahead of Tuesday's clash with Crystal Palace.

Allardyce saw his team squander a number of chances in Saturday's 1-0 defeat at his former club West Ham, and he revealed he's growing increasingly concerned by his team's performance in front of goal.

"It's a concern to say the least, because all the chances are there and zero goals," said Allardyce.

"It's a little bit similar to [Sunderland's 1-0 defeat to] Man City [on February 2] - all of the chances, and zero goals again."

Sunderland created a number of openings on Saturday, with Jack Rodwell missing two excellent chances. Allardyce believes his side would be higher in the table had they found consistency in front of goal.

"All of those vital points can make a huge difference. It's been our testing case ever since I've been here - not being able to get that draw instead of that defeat.

"I'm very concerned about the games running out and these things keep happening to us, when we're in good, dominant positions and creating chances. We're playing better than the opposition, but failing to get anything."

The Sunderland boss has also challenged his side to seal their own fate, rather than wait on other teams to do them a favour. That's after seeing relegation rivals Aston Villa, Norwich and Swansea all lose at the weekend as well.

"It doesn't matter. Twenty-three points, 27 games - if the season finishes now, we are relegated, so you have got to get to 38 points or better, it's as simple as that," added Allardyce.

"It doesn't matter what anybody else does, you have got to go and do it yourself. You can't rely on others, you have got to do it yourself.

"If you rely on others, you'll get relegated."

Allardyce believes Sunderland will need five wins from their last 11 games to give themselves a chance of survival.

He said: "We have got to pick up five victories if we can in 11, minimum, and that's 38 points in the hope that 38 points is going to be enough again this year."

Sunderland are in action on Tuesday against Crystal Palace, who visit the Stadium of Light on a 10-game run without a league win.