Saturday, 18th October, 2014
Sunderland manager Gus Poyet admits he has suffered his worst day in football after his side were taken apart at St. Mary's Stadium by Southampton, losing 8-0.
Southampton took the lead after just the 12th minute after a bizarre own goal from Santiago Vergini, which he volleyed into the back of the net from 18 yards.
The floodgates quickly opened and Southampton went to town with goals from Graziano Pelle (18th and 69th minutes), Jack Cork (37th minute), Liam Bridcutt (own goal, 63rd minute), Dusan Tadic (78th minute), Victor Wanyama (79th minute) and Saido Mane (86th minute).
Sunderland were all at sea and looked utterly demoralised as the goals continued to flow for the Saints.
Poyet was shell shocked and admits that it was simply an embarrassing game for the Black Cats, albeit one that has taught him vital lessons about his side's character.
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The Uruguayan explained to the BBC: "I think its the most embarrassing time I've had on a football pitch. You think you will never get these situations but unfortunately it is sometimes your turn. I feel very sorry for the fans, they came a long way to see a very difficult game today.
"At the start we played very well. We conceded an own goal which is unique. We paid the price for everything that went wrong today because it was a difficult day.
"The only thing we knew is we needed to not throw the game away as 3-0 was enough. I learned a lot about the players today – the bad side as some gave up and I know who they are for the future", Poyet continued.
"I cannot watch it again because it's not a lot to analyse. We were a difficult team to play before today but it was totally the opposite. As a group we didn't show the character to be on the pitch. We were really poor and unacceptable in the second half."
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