Poyet worried that time is running out for Sunderland

Sunderland head coach Gus Poyet is concerned that time is running out for his side to maintain their Premier League status.

Poyet’s men were held to a 0-0 draw by visiting Norwich City on Saturday and finished with 10 men following Wes Brown’s late dismissal for a strong challenge on Ricky van Wolfswinkel.

After 17 matches, Sunderland remain rooted to the foot of the table, four points from safety.

“I’m realistic. Time is running out,” conceded Poyet.

“We’re losing time and losing games. We were very poor technically today.”

Poyet refused to comment on the red card given to Brown, who was also sent off at Stoke City last month only for the decision to be rescinded.

“I’m not going to comment on any decision by the referee because it’s not worth it,” added the Uruguayan.

“When you’re down the bottom you lose a player you don’t want to lose, or the decision doesn’t go your way. There’s always something – that’s life at the bottom.”

Poyet was at a loss to explain why a side who had beaten Chelsea in the League Cup quarter-final on Wednesday could put in such an insipid performance.

“I was not expecting this,” he said.

“I always say that I hate excuses and until now for some reason we always had an excuse but today, no.

“I don’t look for excuses. This is reality. If someone wants to hide it’s going to be difficult because in football there is no place to hide.”