AJi Alese pinpoints what Sunderland must improve in both boxes

Defender Aji Alese believes Sunderland “should have got more out of the game” at Watford in the club’s final away game of a Championship campaign which has completely fizzled out.

Mike Dodds’ side did create chances but there was very little fluidity about their play and this was yet another game where the team failed to score a goal. Alese does not blame the forwards, though, saying it is up to the defence to keep clean sheets.

On the defeat, Alese said: “I thought they had good individual players, which caused us a problem at times.

READ MORE: 'Upset' Mike Dodds at a loss to explain Sunderland's Watford defeat

“I thought our shape went well against their shape and once we realised the press they couldn’t really play through us. I thought they didn’t really create anything clear cut, especially in the first half. We obviously had a few good chances going into half-time We feel like we could have had more from the game at half-time and obviously at the end of the game, having lost the game, we thought we should have got more from the game definitely.”

Not scoring goals is a problem but Alese added: “It’s not just taking chances, it’s both boxes. If we keep it out then we draw 0-0 and if we score then we win so yes we missed some chances.

“But we also conceded so it’s not just looking at the attacking players we also need to look at our defence and keep clean sheets because that’s two games now where we’ve conceded.”

Alese is nearing full fitness now, just when the season is coming to a close, with a last game against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday at the Stadium of light.

“Yes I’m feeling good,” he said. “Every game, just getting more minutes and training during the week I’m just getting closer to 100 per cent. We are definitely looking to win [against Sheffield Wednesday].

“We go into every game thinking we can win and trying to win and that won’t be any different on the last day. It’s a shame we couldn’t get the result for the fans on Saturday but hopefully we can this weekend.”