Sunderland's survival hopes took a massive blow on Monday night when they were beaten 2-1 by West Ham United at the Stadium of Light.
Andy Carroll and Mohamed Diame had the Hammers two goals ahead by the 50th minute before Black Cats substitute Adam Johnson gave the home side hope with a 65th-minute strike.
West Ham goalkeeper Adrian did his best to thwart some late Sunderland chances, denying the Wearside club the opportunity to move past Cardiff City into 18th position, but manager Gus Poyet is maintaining a positive façade as relegation looms.
"It's difficult to accept, sometimes when you see a team at the bottom they have no spirit, heart and give up," Poyet told Sky Sports.
"I don't think it's possible to see my team giving up.
"The downside of the game (is the defending) and we knew that was the way they could hurt us. We will have a few chats about that."
He added: "It's about winning now. We have a chance and will go to the end."
Sunderland are sitting 19th on 25 points, four from safety, as they now get set to take on Tottenham at White Hart Lane next Monday.
