Gus Poyet: Arsenal defeat a "wake-up call"

Gus Poyet has warned Sunderland of the 'embarrassment' they could face in Sunday's League Cup final with Manchester City unless they improve their performance.

The Black Cats went down 4-1 to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League this afternoon, with Olivier Giroud and Tomas Rosicky firing the Gunners into a 3-0 half-time lead.

Laurent Koscielny added a fourth in the second half before Emanuele Giaccherini bagged a consolation with 10 minutes remaining.

Although Poyet admits the Capital One Cup clash may have weighed on his players' minds, the 46-year-old is thankful that the "wake-up call" came in time for next weekend's showpiece at Wembley.

"Wembley could have been on the players' minds but this was a very good wake up call," the Uruguayan told reporters.

"If we play like this against Manchester City, we could be embarrassed."

The North-East outfit remain in the relegation zone following the result.