Sunderland manager Gus Poyet has expressed his belief that last night's "well-earned point" against Hull City was a good result for his side.

A 77th-minute equaliser from Jack Rodwell rescued a 1-1 draw for the Black Cats that leaves them 16th in the Premier League table, four points above the bottom three ahead of tonight's fixtures.

Poyet was sent to the stands in the 37th minute of the match after reacting angrily to a yellow card for Rodwell, but the Uruguayan revealed that he was still able to have an impact on the game as he ordered the introductions of Patrick van Aanholt, Connor Wickham and Ricky Alvarez from the bench.

"We started the second half well and the substitutions changed the game," Poyet told the Sunderland Echo.

"Being in the stands gave me the opportunity to see things from a different point of view and we made different decisions because of that. Ricky, Connor and Patrick all did extremely well when they came on.

"It was a team effort. My staff also worked very hard and I'm pleased as I had to rely on them. I'd say it's a well-earned point."

Sunderland, who are currently waiting to see whether extra disciplinary action is brought against Poyet, are not in action again until March 14, when they host fellow strugglers Aston Villa at the Stadium of Light.