Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley has claimed that the team's lack of finishing prowess has cost them points this season.

The Black Cats fell to a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa on New Year's Day, which leaves the club bottom of the Premier League table.

However, Bardsley believes that Sunderland created enough opportunities to win the match.

"We dominated possession, kept the ball and moved the ball, trying to bring them out and create chances," he told the Shields Gazette.

"We created chances but again we didn't convert them, and that has been a banana skin for us this season.

"But at the end of the day, in front of goal, we are just simply not good enough at the minute."

Sunderland's next match is against Carlisle United in the FA Cup on Sunday.