Sunderland manager David Moyes is hoping the return from injury of some key members of his squad will help turn around the fortunes of the luckless Black Cats.

Despite a spirited effort in Saturday’s defeat to Arsenal, Sunderland were eventually undone 4-1 by the Gunners. Moyes reflected afterwards on the superior quality Arsene Wenger has at his disposal.

but also on the poor defending that allowed Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud score Arsenal’s first two goals from crosses into the Sunderland box.

“I think our defending was poor at times. I think it was more disappointing, our defending of crosses,” said Moyes.

“Arsenal can score some great goals but when it’s down to crosses you hope that you’ll defend well and deal with that.

“We frustrated Arsenal and I think the time when we got the goal we were the better team.” Sunderland have now made their worst-ever start to a Premier League season after ten games – they have just two points on the board and are already six points from safety.

The likes of John O’Shea, Seb Larsson, Fabio Borini, Mike Cattermole, Vito Mannone and Jan Kirchhoff are all currently out injured and Moyes admits he desperately needs them back in the fold with trips to Bournemouth and Hull looming next.

“Once we get one or two of the injured players back that will give me a few more options,” Moyes added.

“We were quite limited (against Arsenal) to what we could do and the changes we could make so hopefully we get a few of those players back and that will give us a better chance, different selections and different formations as well.”

Sunderland are 5.50 to win away at Bournemouth next weekend while they are now 1.30 to be relegated this season.