Premier League: Jozy Altidore says Sunderland need to be tougher

Sunderland striker Jozy Altidore admits his side need to toughen up if they want to secure their first Premier League win of the season.

The USA international notched his first goal in 30 games during their Capital One Cup defeat to Stoke in midweek, and will be pushing for a start in Saturday’s game against Swansea.

Having failed to land three points in this season’s Premier League, Altidore admits that Sunderland have been ‘too easy’ to play against and believes that his side must improve.

“We need to be tougher. All of us, strikers, everyone, have to be nastier. Make sure, when people play us, they have to really work for it,” he said.

“We have played fairly well, but now we have to get the first win. We don’t want the shadows of last year following us around this season.

“We have had a decent start and now, with the home schedule we have, we have to take three points.

“There is room for improvement.”