Sunderland’s ‘miracle’ survival praised by manager Gus Poyet

Gus Poyet admits that he now believes in miracles after seeing Sunderland secure their Premier League safety by beating West Brom 2-0.

Having been bottom of the Premier League table as recently as a fortnight ago, Sunderland have since embarked on their best run of results since 2000, with four consecutive victories.

Poyet was quick to point out another record that the Black Cats have equalled – that of West Brom’s in 2005, who also escaped relegation having been bottom on Christmas Day.

 

Premier League

POS PTS
14 Sunderland 38
15 A Villa 38
16 Hull City 37
17 West Brom 36
18 Norwich 33
19 Fulham 31
20 Cardiff 30

Table last updated 07/05/2014 21:44

 

Speaking to Sky Sports, Poyet was in a delighted mood, saying: “I don’t know if you’re ever going to see something similar.

“We’re the second team in the history of the Premier League to be bottom on Christmas Day and still stay up.

“Being seven points adrift with six games to go, with Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United to face away from home, to be here – with still one game to play – I cannot believe it yet.

“Absolute credit to the players, they’ve been outstanding.

“They grow stronger and stronger. We got a break at Stamford Bridge, and from then it was only one way.”

Poyet has almost certainly written his name into Sunderland folklore by keeping them in the league amidst almost certain doom, and the Uruguayan was quick to thank and congratulate the fans.

“I’m not the type of manager to go over to the fans. I want them to like me for what we do on the pitch, for winning football games,” he added.

“You cannot contain the moment because it’s very special.

“I’m a human being and I become too supportive of the players. Everything that’s happened here has effected me, and I know how much it means for this city.

“It’s been difficult, but it’s been incredible. For moments it looked like destiny that we’d go down.”

The 46-year-old had previously spoken of needing a “miracle” to keep the Stadium of Light outfit up, and believes that his side’s exploits will go down in Premier League history.

Poyet added: “I’ve said it a few times; we needed a miracle. No doubt about it, I believe in them now! It’s probably one of the best days of my life today.

“We finish in mid-table and I’ll be celebrating big. No doubt. It’s been an incredible few weeks and an incredible achievement.

“In the future, I don’t know how many years, but teams will be in the same situation and people will say: ‘Well, Sunderland did it.”

Sky

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