Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce believes his players will need to continue to improve as they prepare to take on Watford in what he describes as a “six-pointer”.

The Black Cats, 1.40 to be relegated, are now back in the bottom three following a defeat to Arsenal at the weekend.

Allardyce’s men are 19th again after both Newcastle and Bournemouth picked up shock victories over Liverpool and Chelsea respectively.

Sunderland will now take on Watford who come into Saturday’s clash full of confidence after a sublime start to the campaign. The Hornets are currently 10th after winning four of their last six games.

Over the Christmas period, Allardyce’s side face some difficult matches against the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool and so the former West Ham boss is determined to get a win this weekend.

“We’re asking the players to improve and I think they’re doing that,” he told the Sunderland Echo.

“Each week, we’re performing better and better. It didn’t get a result at Arsenal, although we deserved to get one.

“Our frailties in front of goal have not allowed us to get one. But we’ve got to keep those standards up because we’ve got a massive six-pointer against Watford.”