Sunderland’s Yann M’Vila says they have been ‘too nice’ in games this season so far and he wants to see more courage and aggression when they face West Ham this weekend.

The weekend defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford ensured that for the third season running the Black Cats have failed to win a Premier League game during the months of August and September.

It leaves Dick Advocaat’s side bottom of the table with just two points to show after seven games.

M’Vila arrived at the club this summer and has been one of a few Sunderland players to emerge with any credit so far this season but he says they need to toughen up as a unit if they are going to turn things around.

“We’re too nice sometimes,” he said. “It was too easy for Manchester United, when we should have been showing some aggression.”

The Hammers are next up for Sunderland and M’Vila desperately wants a win going into the second international break.
“We need to show some aggression and courage. You should be playing matches on the edge.

“We absolutely need to win for everyone at the club. I hope that we can get it next week against West Ham before we go away for the break.

“That’s a very, very important match for me, in front our supporters.”

North East rivals Newcastle moved away from Sunderland at the bottom of the table after they claimed a draw at home to champions Chelsea on Saturday evening.

Sunderland are 3.10 to defeat West Ham this weekend while the Black Cats are currently 1.25 to be relegated from the Premier League this season.