Sunderland news: Poyet pleased with point

Sunderland's manager Gus Poyet (REUTERS/Rebecca Naden)

Sunderland manager Gus Poyet heaped praise on his players after the Black Cats held Aston Villa to a scoreless draw.
Emanuele Giaccherini missed the biggest chance of the game late in the first half but despite a late barrage of pressure from the hosts Sunderland held on for a precious point - a result which pleased their manager,
He told reporters: "It is a good point for different reasons. We performed for 90 minutes, we made it difficult for Villa and created chances. We are keeping on growing."

"We had a miss from two yards and hit the crossbar. Sometimes you have to understand when you are at the bottom that things don't go for you."

"It is a step in the right direction. The idea is to maintain this level and I am sure we are going to be alright."
The point lifts Sunderland off the foot of the table.