Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio has ordered his players to uncover a nasty streak as they seek to bounce back from their opening-day disappointment against Fulham at the Stadium of Light.
Swiss youth international Pajtim Kasami took advantage of the visitors' only clear-cut chance to head home the winning goal five minutes into the second half and get his side off to a flying start.
Di Canio was clearly frustrated by his side's inability to make the most of their chances with new boys Cabral and Ondrej Celustka among those who came close in a dominant opening period.
Di Canio said: "We weren't really ferocious. We have to be nasty in terms of our football.
"I don't want to say we had a clear identity but a big part of the puzzle is clear. I think we did well but it's obvious we can do much better."
Key to Di Canio's plan to move forward is the acquisition of at least two more new players and the Italian reiterated his desire to bring in an influential midfielder before the transfer window shuts next month.
Di Canio added: "Today we had the quality of Cabral but we need another player there who can feed my striker and my wingers.
"We can improve this area if we bring in another player with the key - a real playmaker with a personality and a physical presence because this is the art of the game.
"I told them before the start of the season if we play well and deliver a clear identity on the field I prefer to lose and play well rather than win and play very bad - but after that I think a few points will be better.
"The only disappointment is when you dominate and create 10 clear chances and they had only one corner kick. There was only one team in it, but you have to work on it and take the positives."
Source: PA
