Sunderland manager Gus Poyet has admitted that things could "get worse and worse" if his side do not become more difficult to beat.

The Black Cats surrendered a lead to fall to their 11th Premier League loss of the season to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, a result which kept them bottom of the table.

Poyet has insisted that the players are working hard to adapt to his management style and tactics, but also warned them that they are unlikely to improve until they begin to learn from their mistakes.

"It's becoming too easy to play against Sunderland," Poyet told reporters. "My job is head coach, I convince players what is the best way to play football.

"I train them, I show them, I tell them, I repeat it to them, and we keep doing it and keep doing it until it's like a hammer in your head constantly.

"If we get it before a Saturday, we have a chance, but if we don't it's going to get worse and worse, simple is that. I'm just being honest, and sometimes being honest doesn't mean you're being negative. I'm not, I'm just being realistic."

Sunderland travel to West Ham United next Saturday to continue their top-flight season.