Grayson: Now we need six points at home

SUNDERLAND BOSS FRUSTRATED BY BRENTFORD’S WEEKEND FIGHTBACK, AS FOCUS SWITCHES TO HOME DOUBLE

Simon Grayson told of his frustration and disappointment after struggling Sunderland dropped two more Championship points.

But he is now targeting maximum points from successive home matches against Bristol City and Bolton.

Sunderland went behind at Brentford on Saturday after just eight minutes thanks to Nico Yennaris’ tap-in. But the Black Cats responded well and Lewis Grabban levelled five minutes later.

Grayson’s side then took a fortunate lead before the break, when Bryan Oviedo’s corner was fumbled in by keeper Dan Bentley before Grabban made it 3-1 from the penalty spot.

Second-bottom Sunderland couldn’t hold on for their second league win, though. Florian Jozefzoon’s free-kick got the Bees back in the game two minutes into the second half before sub Neal Maupay made it 3-3, deflecting in Jozefzoon’s shot.

Grayson said: “Elation when you go 3-1 up and playing well to not winning the game is frustrating and disappointing. It was one of them games where there were a few mistakes, difficult conditions and you play against a good team.

“Would you have taken that before the game? Probably. But ultimately, when you are in that position, you want to make sure you do what you can to win it.

“The goal right at the start of the second half was a body blow to us, but it didn’t affect us too much in terms of them then dominating. We got back into it and then a deflection has allowed them back in it.

“Brentford are on a good run of form and have some talented players. It is not as if it is an easy place to come for the opposition, they will look to dicate the possession.

“We are on the back of three games undefeated and it might not sound a lot, but, from where we have come from, we are making progression with some players coming back.

“We now have back-toback home games where we have to look to get maximum points.”