Gus Poyet: 'Criticism of Sunderland has been over the top'

Sunderland manager Gus Poyet has claimed that some of the criticism aimed at his side in recent weeks has been excessive ahead of Monday's clash with Crystal Palace.

An 8-0 thrashing at the hands of Southampton was followed by a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal last weekend, but Poyet is attempting to remain calm as his doubters continue to single out the weaknesses in the Black Cats squad.

"Two weeks ago, we were perfect, we won the game everybody wanted to win, everything was spot-on, a great international break. Everything was 'sweet', as they say in England," the Uruguayan told reporters.

"Now everything is terrible, we are in the bottom three, the injured players are the best players in the world - that's natural, it's football.

"I need to cope with the emotions more than anyone. That's the most important part of the job, not to make decisions when you are upset or too happy, to wait."

Poyet received a boost at the weekend with the news that Steven Fletcher would be fit for the trip to Selhurst Park.