Black Cats give Poyet the sack

London - Sunderland have sacked their manager Gus Poyet on Monday, less than 48 hours after a humbling home loss to fellow Premier League strugglers Aston Villa.

The Uruguayan paid the price for a poor run of results that has left the Black Cats fourth from bottom after Saturday's 4-0 rout, the club's sixth game without a win.

In a statement Sunderland, one point above the relegation zone, announced: "Sunderland AFC have parted company with head coach Gus Poyet this afternoon."