Sunderland manager unhappy with Swansea penalty award

David Moyes questioned the decision to award Swansea the early second half penalty which set the Welsh side on their way to a crucial 3-0 victory over Sunderland.

The two strugglers were level at the break before the breakthrough moment came in the 51st minute when Jason Denayer, facing the other way, blocked Wayne Routledge's cross with the top part of his arm.

Referee Craig Pawson decided it was a penalty and Gylfi Sigurdsson smashed home from 12 yards to put the hosts in front.

Fernando Llorente then scored a double to propel Swansea off the foot of the table, an unwanted position now occupied by Moyes' side.

But even though the Black Cats boss admitted the visitors had ultimately been second best, he was far from impressed by Pawson's controversial call to point to the spot.

"I'm frustrated we didn't play well enough. Swansea deserved the victory in the end but it turned on a big decision for me," Moyes said.

"There was very little in the game, and these games are so important. Whoever gets the first goal it can make a big difference and I'm not convinced it is the right decision. It did turn the game.

"My view of it was he goes to block it. He is not looking at the ball, he has no intention. He is two yards away from the ball - very difficult - so I think it is the wrong decision."

Sunderland went into the game in impressive form after a recent mini revival, but today's result leaves them back on the foot of the table as Swansea moved upwards and out of the bottom three.

The games are starting to come thick and fast going into the hectic festive period, with Chelsea next up at home in midweek.

"That's the way it goes so everybody knows the situation," said Moyes.

"We've been on a good run. We didn't play as well today as what we have done but nevertheless that is the way the league is.

"We won the other week 3-0 against Hull at home. Swansea today have beaten us 3-0 and it is going to be tight around that end of the league."

Despite the Swansea setback, Moyes is challenging his players to quickly prove today was just a case of a bad day at the office.

"We've got to show it is and next time we play again we show what we can do," he explained.

"Look, we are improving. Six weeks ago you would have said we were written off but we are back in it. What matters is where we are come May but we are certainly back in with a fighting chance."