Steve Bruce pointed to Sunderland's inability to finish as the reason behind their Carling Cup defeat to Brighton.
Black Cats boss points to misfiring strikers
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce pointed to his side's inability to finish as the reason behind their 1-0 Carling Cup defeat to Brighton on Tuesday.
The Black Cats were dumped out of the cup competition on the south coast courtesy of Craig Mackail-Smith's header five minutes into extra-time at The AMEX.
Bruce refused to blame defeat on the fact his side are still gelling together after a host of summer signings and six notable departures, including Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson.
Inability
"We created enough chances to win the cup tie but we failed to do that because of our inability, once more, to put away chances," explained Bruce.
"We've got punished for it and it's worrying. We certainly had enough strikers on the pitch but we just didn't convert our chances. We've got to learn to do that.
"Over the next few weeks these new signings are going to find out what it's like playing for this club and in front of our fans.
"We lost four loan players in the summer as well as Jordan and (Bolo) Zenden but the fact remains that we came back after losing a derby game and went out there with the right spirit.
"All that is no good, though, if you can't take the chances you create. It's a big concern. But you've got to give Brighton credit. They have some very good players and you can see why they've started the season so well."
Unjust
Brighton boss Gus Poyet backed Bruce, as he said: "I don't see why there should be pressure on him. It would be unjust.
"He's rebuilding a team and I think he deserves to stay all season no matter what happens. In my mind he shouldn't be under pressure.
"It's just one goal. The difference is minimal. But for me the great thing is I now know we have a side capable of playing against a Premier League team - playing that kind of football and beating them. Winning is even better."
