The Black Cats have shown a fine improvement in the form under Bruce's tutelage this season, losing only once at home in their six attempts in the Barclays Premier League so far, with that single defeat coming against leaders Chelsea.

This appears to signal the start of a solid and positive change for Bruce's men, who lost 10 matches on Wearside last term.

However, their form on the road could not be more different. With the notable exception of a 2-2 draw with Manchester United in October, Sunderland have not managed to pick up a point since their 1-0 win over Bolton Wanderers on the opening day of the new campaign.

improve away

And Bruce is determined to make a change.

He said: "Make no mistake, the threat of the team, especially at home, is going forward. Even with 10 men against West Ham, we looked to create lots and lots of chances.

"But we are a bit open and maybe I`ve got to look at that away from home. I`ve got to take a bit of responsibility too. But we have proved at Manchester that we are capable, even going with two strikers at Old Trafford.

"It's food for thought. I have to say, though, the home form has been the main thing we have improved on. We have now got to try to improve away from home if we possibly can."

Sunderland's next opportunity to seal an away win will be at Wigan Athletic on the 28th November, a week after a tough home match against Arsenal in the Barclays Premier League.