#INSERT type:image caption:Gus Poyet suffered a nightmare afternoon as Tim Sherwood's Villa raced to a 4-0 win. END#
Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood voiced support for Sunderland counterpart Gus Poyet, a former Tottenham teammate, after his Aston Villa side thrashed Sunderland 4-0 at the Stadium of Light.
Sherwood, whose side moved six points clear of the relegation scrap, said: "It's not great, is it, when you are beaten heavily at home, but Gus will bounce back. He's that type of character who has seen it all and done it all before.
"There's one thing Gus has got, he's got a bigger heart than anyone.''
Sherwood was thrilled with his side's display, but was taking nothing for granted despite seeing them ease themselves clear of the drop zone.
He said: "It's a fantastic step towards safety, but there's still a lot of work to be done, we realise that. We have managed to drag Sunderland into it now and push them underneath us, but it's all about next week now, Swansea at home, and getting the points there.
"I'm sure our fans will be very jubilant and welcoming the players to a home fixture. The boys are looking forward now to playing at home in front of an expectant crowd.
"Losing becomes a habit, doesn't it, and winning does also, so we are hoping to continue that, albeit it's only three games.''