Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce believes it is crucial his side start turning defeats into draws if they are to survive in the Premier league this season.

The Black Cats have not drawn a single match since the 61-year-old succeeded Dick Advocaat as manager at the Stadium of Light in October, with his 14 league games in charge ending in five victories and nine defeats.

The Wearsiders’ lack of draws is in complete contrast to last season, when they finished with a division high tally of 17 stalemates, as they ended the campaign just three points clear of the relegation zone.

Allardyce believes securing draws will be crucial if his side are to avoid the drop once again this season, as he feels his side have already suffered a number of defeats in matches where they should have picked up a share of the spoils.

Allardyce said: “We’re still losing when we should be picking up draws. We should have drawn three or four at the very least and that makes life so much easier for the players.”

The former West Ham boss insists drawing matches will also ease the pressure on his side, who face another must win game when they take on fellow strugglers Bournemouth on home soil on Saturday.

He added: “Every time we go into a game after a loss, everyone thinks it’s a must-win. That becomes greater and greater pressure, and when you get that at this level, more and more mistakes occur.”

The Black Cats are available at 3.10 to record a victory in the match, whilst the Cherries are on offer at 2.38 and the draw is priced at 3.30.