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Jack Ross claims Sunderland have improved defensively this season

Jack Ross the head coach (Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
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Sunderland have failed to keep a clean sheet all season so far, despite making changing to their defence in the summer.

Jack Ross the head coach

Sunderland boss Jack Ross has claimed to the Chronicle that his side has improved defensively this season, even if it hasn’t necessarily shown yet.

Sunderland have let in 10 goals in eight games so far this season, which isn’t too bad a record, but they still haven’t kept a clean sheet in any competition.

Ross made some alterations to Sunderland’s backline over the course of the summer, and the Scot feels that they have made an impact.

And he blames the fact that Sunderland are struggling to shut oppositions sides out on their errors being punished very harshly.

“It might sound bizarre but I do feel in general that we have looked more secure defensively than we did last season,” Ross said.

“It’s just that at the moment we are getting punished, even though we are not giving away many opportunities.

“If you look back at last season, Jon McLaughlin had probably made a lot more big saves – to date he has not made that many, although he did make one tonight.”

Sunderland manager Jack Ross during  the Checkatrade Trophy match at Stadium of Light on December 4, 2018 in Sunderland, England.

Sunderland’s failure to shut out Rotherham United last night proved costly, as they could only claim a draw.

Ross’s side took the lead against Rotherham, but could not hold on with the Millers ultimately coming back to draw 1-1.

The result has put added pressure on Ross, with some Sunderland fans questioning his decisions over the course of the contest.

The Black Cats have still only lost once this season though, and they currently sit in fourth place in the League One table.