'Sunderland have to learn how to win ugly'

Regis Le Bris scratching his head during Sunderland's draw with Bristol CityImage source, PA Media
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Former Sunderland defender Gary Bennett believes the Black Cats need to start playing "uglier" if they are to reignite a winning streak.

Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Bristol City, in which Patrick Roberts rescued a stoppage-time point, was Sunderland's sixth draw in their past eight Championship games.

"Sometimes you've got to learn how to win ugly," Bennett said on BBC Radio Newcastle.

"We are just looking for that so-called perfect goal, aren't we? Where we can walk the ball into the net, or it's a flick, or it's a volley.

"It's not an ugly goal like what Bristol City scored."

The Robins took a 1-0 lead in the 68th minute after defensive blunders provided Luke McNally the opportunity to score.

Roberts found an equaliser in time added on to preserve the side's unbeaten record at home but Bennett feels that the team's niceties are proving too costly.

"Clear the ball," he said, regarding the Robins' goal. "We are too nice. We had three options to clear that ball and it ends up in the back of the net."

You can listen to the full post-match reaction on BBC Sounds.