Phil Bardsley: Sunderland strikers to blame for struggles "We dominated possession, kept the ball and moved the ball, trying to bring them out and create chances," he told the Shields Gazette. We created chances but again we didn't convert them, and that has been a banana skin for us this season. We chased the game and tried to create opportunities in the second half, and I think Emanuele Giaccherini's goal might have been onside - so that decision went against us. But at the end of the day, in front of goal, we are just simply not good enough at the minute. Poyet is trying to sign a striker in the January window, but his budget is limited and he may have to sell to buy the calibre of player he needs to drag the team out of trouble. The Uruguayan has already signed former Bolton Wanderers left-back Marco Alonso on loan from Fiorentina and is hoping to complete a £3m move for Brighton pair Will Buckley and Liam Bridcutt, although his former club are not impressed with the size of Sunderland's bid.