Ross sees the bigger picture after Sunderland get their first win

Posted Saturday, August 17, 2019 by PA

Manager Jack Ross was keen to play down the significance of Sunderland’s first win of the Sky Bet League One after his side came from behind to beat Portsmouth 2-1.

The Black Cats had conceded the opening goal in each of their first two games, against Oxford and Ipswich, and gone on to draw both 1-1.

So to recover from Marcus Harness’ opener to record their first victory of the campaign felt significant even at this early of the season, particularly as it condemned Pompey to their second reverse of 2019-20.

Ross said: “For me it was just three points in the quest to achieve promotion. It’s just three games into the season.

“I have said often enough about the pressure and expectancy on us to win every game, so the build-up was no different for me.

“It (the pressure) is omnipresent – it never goes away. Whether you have won five games in a row or lost five games in a row, it never really changes.

“In terms of how you use it, you have to make peace with it first and foremost.

“If you don’t want to feel big pressure, don’t manage a big club – but then you don’t get the rewards of managing a big club, leading a team in this stadium in front of these supporters. You can’t have one without the other.”

Goals from Jordan Willis and Chris Maguire – each player’s first this season – put Sunderland ahead at half-time, and they were able to see out victory from there.

Ross continued: “When I reflect on the start to the season, it has been solid.

“We would have liked it to be better but we have had some tough games – Oxford are a good side and will be, in my opinion, top part of the table, then Ipswich away and Portsmouth at home.

“We knew that, on paper, it was a tough start and the vultures probably thought it would be a tough start, and it has proven to be the case. But we have come out of it reasonably well.”

His opposite number Kenny Jackett, whose team lost at Shrewsbury on the opening day, told BBC Radio Solent: “From our point of view there’s a lot we can base today’s performance on going forward, we have lost a game and we have to recognise why.

“We’re not happy with two defeats away. They’ve been unusual games because we’ve been on top for both of them.

“There were games last season where it was the other way and we had 30, 40% of the game but managed to win it. It was a little of a reverse.

“If you come away to Sunderland and have that much of the game you can’t be a bad team but similarly we’re disappointed with the two defeats away from home because we’ve had the lion’s share of the ball, we’ve had the lion’s share of the game in both halves.

“But second half when we’re on top it was difficult for them to get out. We’ve had the clear-cut chances but they’ve been clinical and it’s made the difference. That’s got them the win.”