Black Cats season starts now, says Bruce
The sides went into Saturday’s Premier League clash locked together on six points, but it was Sunderland who found their form in a 2-0 win thanks to late goals from Stephane Sessegnon and Nicklas Bendtner.
It was only a second win of the season for Sunderland, but the Black Cats boss, who was again busy in the transfer window this summer, is optimistic there is better to come.
He said: “It’s been a difficult period. We haven’t been able to quieten the storm since the second game of the season because we lost the derby and, with results not going our way, it’s created a frenzy.
“Let’s hope we can start our season now.”
While there was delight for Bruce and Sunderland, for his opposite number Owen Coyle it was another poor result in a season that has so far brought seven defeats and only two wins.
Most worrying for the Bolton boss is their home form, which could not be in greater contrast to last term. Having picked up 35 of their 46 points at the Reebok Stadium in 2010/11, the Trotters are pointless after five games.
Asked what they must do to turn things around, Coyle said: “Very simply we need to win, and whatever it takes to win the game that’s what you’ve got to do.
“We had a fantastic home record last season and we’re a little bit unfortunate that we had to play some of the top teams early but within that we’ve also lost at home to Norwich as well.
“We can’t just play for half a game. The players know when they cross that white line they have to play for the fullness of the game.’’
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