Gus Poyet: Sunderland are running out of time in survival bid

Sunderland are running out of time in their efforts to avoid relegation, says manager Gus Poyet.

The Black Cats will be bottom of the table on Christmas Day, and just one team - West Brom in 2004-05 - have avoided Premier League relegation in those circumstances.

"We are losing time, we are losing games," Poyet said.

"I said we needed to win 11 games to think, 'Can we get to 40 points?', and we can't win a football game."

Sunderland in the Capital One Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday, but could only draw 0-0 with Norwich on their return to Premier League action.

Just four of Poyet's team's 19 shots were on target and Wes Brown was sent off in injury time after a rash tackle on Ricky van Wolfswinkel.

Poyet said: "This is where we are. The quality is what you see, there is no more.

"I was not expecting this. I have always said I hate excuses. Until now for some reason, we have always had an excuse and people can use it.

"Today, we have not. Today was a day to win and we didn't, so we are responsible for where we are.

"It's getting more and more difficult, so who are you going to blame?

"It would be very nice if somebody could tell me why we are at the bottom, and if you think it's because of me, I'll take it if it's not personal."

Brown had Sunderland's best chance, nodding the ball against the post after a goalmouth scramble. Phil Bardsley also had a good opportunity but headed straight at goalkeeper John Ruddy.

Poyet added: "I expect somebody to score. It doesn't have to be Ki [Sung-Yueng] all the time, but it has to be somebody.

"The decisions in the last 30 metres were scary, and that was unexpected. Players who needed to have a shot were taking three touches; players who needed to take a touch tried to shoot when their backs were to goal.

"I have no explanation. There were things that happened on the pitch that are difficult to explain."

The Uruguayan declined to comment on Brown's sending-off but Norwich boss Chris Hughton thought referee Martin Atkinson made the right decision.

He said: "The challenge was certainly reckless."