Sunderland coach Gus Poyet has insisted that Jozy Altidore does not deserve to shoulder all the blame for a lack of goals since moving to Wearside, calling on his side to create more chances for the striker.
Altidore has failed to find the net in eight Premier League games for the Black Cats, with his only goal so far this season coming in the League Cup more than two months ago.
Poyet believes that the USA international feels more confident in his role within the side after laying on Fabio Borini's winner in the 2-1 derby success over Newcastle United last weekend, predicting a change in fortunes against Hull City this weekend.
He told The Mirror: "It's not like you put him on the pitch and say, 'Go on Jozy, score 20 this season.' We haven't created enough chances for him to score goals yet.
"It is a 50-50 responsibility one is the team, the other is Jozy himself. I saw him this week and he looks happier. He is delighted with the win against Newcastle and that he played and felt important in the team.
"I believe in Jozy for many different reasons. He did absolutely fantastic tactical work against Newcastle, which sometimes you don't realise but it was important for the team in terms of shape and organisation."
Sunderland go in search of their first away victory of the campaign this weekend, as they face former boss Steve Bruce's Hull at the KC Stadium.
No Data Analysis info
Germany
Switzerland
Hungary
Scotland
Spain
Italy
Croatia
Albania
England
Denmark
Slovenia
Serbia
Austria
France
Netherlands
Poland
Romania
Belgium
Slovakia
Ukraine
Portugal
Turkey
Georgia
Czech Republic