Gus Poyet Sacked as Sunderland Manager: Latest Details, Reaction and Analysis

Sunderland have sacked manager Gus Poyet after Saturday's abysmal 4-0 home loss to fellow relegation candidates Aston Villa.

Multiple sources confirmed the Black Cats' decision to remove Poyet, namely BBC Sport:

A statement from club chairman Ellis Short quickly followed:

"

I would like to thank Gus for his endeavours during his time at the club, in particular last season’s ‘great escape’ and cup final appearance, which will live long in the memory of every Sunderland fan.

Sadly, we have not made the progress that any of us had hoped for this season and we find ourselves battling, once again, at the wrong end of the table. We have therefore made the difficult decision that a change is needed.

"

Louise Taylor of the Guardian reported that Derby County manager Steve McClaren is the club's top target to replace Poyet for next season.

Sunderland have managed just four Premier League wins from 29 matches this season, winning none of their last six under the Uruguayan boss. The north-east side are one point above the relegation zone with nine games remaining, having accumulated 26 points so far.

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Poyet's tenure was laced with a variation of highs and lows. He led Sunderland to safety on the penultimate day of the 2013-14 season, having taken over from Paolo Di Canio with the club rooted to the foot of the table.

He became the first manager to beat Jose Mourinho's Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League, racking up an away draw with Manchester City and victory over Manchester United in the side's last five games to escape the drop by five points. He even took Sunderland to the Capital One Cup final in his opening year, where they lost 3-1 to City.

Poyet failed to build on such success, however, and endured a turbulent second season before getting the boot. As summarised against Villa—who are the division's lowest scorers with 19—Sunderland have leaked goals without carrying an attacking threat this season. Even the January signing of Jermain Defoe, a proven goalscorer at the top level, has failed to provide a lasting impact thus far.

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Added to this, Poyet was sent to the stands for kicking a water carrier out of frustration during the Mar. 3 draw with Hull City. He was involved in a touchline bust-up with Tigers boss Steve Bruce before moving away from the touchline, per Craig Hope of the Daily Mail, after sarcastically applauding the referee's decision to book Jack Rodwell for diving.

Poyet's frustration overspilled the day after Sunderland winger Adam Johnson was arrested on suspicion of having sex with an underage girl. "The only thing I can tell you is that it was a very difficult day yesterday," said Poyet after the Hull match, per Hope. "Very difficult day. I've never had one like that, very difficult."

As noted by the Guardian, Sunderland fans showed their displeasure toward Poyet's results during the loss to Villa:

Eurosport poked fun at another fan's protest:

Football writer Iain Macintosh offered his thoughts on the team's display:

Ben Smith of BBC Sport doesn't expect many top quality candidates to come forward to replace Poyet:

A total of 36 points was needed to escape relegation last season, four less than the often-outlined magic mark of 40. Sunderland must start picking up wins from their final run of matches—which includes a Tyne-Wear derby, plus trips to Arsenal and Chelsea—if they are to reach last season's pivotal tally.

Poyet won't be the man to rescue them for a second successive season, with Sunderland fans now hoping the 47-year-old's successor can achieve exactly what the sacked boss managed upon his arrival last year.