Sunderland defender Nedum Onuoha blames lack of luck for Fulham defeat

Nedum Onuoha, Sunderland(Getty Images)

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Sunderland defender Nedum Onuoha believes his side were simply unlucky to lose 3-0 at home to Fulham Saturday.

The 24-year-old offered little credit to the side that bettered his own in rationalising another home defeat.

Instead, Onuoha, on-loan from Manchester City, stated that timing and circumstance conspired against his temporary club versus the Cottagers.

“We were unlucky with the chances we had today,” he told Sunderland FC’s official website.

“The fact that we conceded in the first half must have been a surprise to the stadium because we were playing well.

“But they managed to get a goal and we felt determined to go out in the second half and overturn it.

“They scored again at a vital moment and we unravelled after that.”

Sunderland enjoyed possession in the first half but having no recognised strikers on the pitch, were unable to quantify their good play with a goal.

Onuoha continued: “It was similar to the Birmingham game where we played well and came away with a defeat.

“It’s a tough league where you often have to be at your maximum.”

Black Cats’ manager Steve Bruce tried to nick a goal by putting Onuoha, a natural defender, in attack late in the second half.

“Steed Malbranque ran himself into the ground as did Stephane Sessegnon,” Onuoha explained.

“I think the manager just wanted to try something different and he put me up there.

“Unfortunately Fulham had a lot of the ball so I couldn’t really influence things.

“We’ve got a week now to get focused on a big game next week – there’s still everything to play for for us.”

Sunderland are on 41 points – six clear of the relegation battle – with three matches remaining in the Premier League this term.