Sunderland's 'sloppy passes' gifted Ipswich victory

After an emphatic return to the Premier League last season, Sunderland were brought back down to earth on the opening day of the season with a 2-1 defeat at newly promoted Ipswich Town.

It was a performance which was dampened by two goals which were "avoidable" for Regis le Bris' side, according to ex-Black Cats forward Martin Smith, who told BBC Radio Newcastle it was Sunderland's "sloppy" passes that ultimately gifted the hosts victory.

"For passes into midfield, you have got to be so sure when you're in the backline that you're going to find your man in there, otherwise you're going to be asking for trouble," he added.

As well as their possession frailties, Smith believes the Black Cats are in need of a "fox in the box" to help convert more chances.

Brian Brobbey, Sunderland's top scorer last season with seven league goals, started the game up front but only had two shots at goal, one on target, throughout the 66 minutes he played.

"Brobbey has a lot of strengths, but those instinctive finishes are not one of them," said Smith.

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