Gus Poyet has admitted that Saturday's FA Cup magic failed to light up Sunderland's "poor" 0-0 fourth-round draw with Fulham at the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats had Jack Rodwell sent off in the second half of what was an otherwise a drab affair this afternoon, when there was drama and shocks aplenty elsewhere.
Poyet was pleased with the performance that his side produced upon going down to 10 men, but questioned why they were not up to that level prior to Rodwell's red.
"It was a poor game overall. The second half was better, there was more emotion and more pressing," he told reporters.
"The sending off changed the game but it is football, if you see the results in the FA Cup today it shows it means so much for teams.
"We were better with 10 men than 11. The players know someone is missing so they give an extra bit, it is disappointing that they don't do that before but I think that is just human nature."
Sunderland and Championship outfit Fulham will contest their replay at Craven Cottage on Tuesday, February 3.
