Sunderland manager Gus Poyet has told the press that he believes his side were not good enough in the FA Cup clash with Leeds United on Sunday.
The Wearside club dominated proceedings during the first 45 minutes, scoring the winning goal in the first half of the tie, which was a rematch of the famous cup final from 1973 which saw second tier Sunderland defeat all conquering Leeds.
Roles were reversed ahead of Sunday’s clash, with Leeds struggling towards the bottom end of the Championship.
However, there was to be no cup upset after Patrick van Aanholt returned from injury to fire Sunderland ahead.
In the second half the situation was entirely different to the dominating display Sunderland managed in the first.
Leeds had the better of the action, and could have equalised in the closing stages.
Liam Cooper, captain for the day, hit the post with a header during stoppage time, and young full back Charlie Taylor had a penalty shout turned down in favour of a free kick, with Leeds players up in arms over the decision.
Poyet was not happy with the 1-0 win, however, and said: “It was decent in the first half and we had total control. We should have put it to bed. We didn’t do it.
“They threw themselves forward in the second half, creating nerves. It left space and it was easy for us to create, but it means nothing if we don’t put the ball in the net. I was disappointed with the finishing. It has to be much better.
“We have played four months of football at home and only won once. I love the cup, especially when you get close to the semi finals. It brings players together. It is not a distraction playing football.”
