Gus Poyet remains mystified as to why his Sunderland team cannot replicate their cup performances in the Premier League.
The Black Cats boss engineered a 1-0 win over Southampton in The FA Cup Fifth Round, nudging the Wearside club closer to a Semi-Final appearance at Wembley.
They have already reached next month’s Capital One Cup final, where they will take on Manchester City, but they are still in the Premier League’s bottom three, despite an upturn in fortunes since the Uruguayan took over at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland 1-0 Southampton
The FA Cup with Budweiser
Fifth Round Proper
Saturday 15 February
Stadium of Light
Poyet said: "I still don't understand why we win in the Cup [competitions] and we cannot win in the League. I’m trying to find the answer but I cannot. Are we a cup team? It looks like it!
"It’s a good day for me because a few players really put themselves in the frame [for a starting berth]. Plenty of energy, we cared about the ball, we tried to do the right things.
"Overall it was a good performance and a good day for us."
Poyet has re-energised Sunderland in the knockout competitions and to an extent in the league, too, as it is now only goal difference that keeps them in the relegation zone.
And the former Chelsea and Tottenham midfielder says he has tried to eliminate the fear factor around the club.
Video highlights of Sunderland's win over Southampton
He added: "We are trying to get the feeling that we are a good team and we can win football games against very good football teams.
"I want the players to feel we can win games with anyone on the pitch, in any shape.
"When I arrived here I think there was a fear of losing. And now I think the players are feeling we can win every single game, which is good."
When quizzed on Sunderland’s potential to win a Cup double, Poyet admitted his No1 priority is Premier League survival, but that would not prevent him from savouring in what would be a third FA Cup success for his club.
He explained: "It's difficult to say [whether Sunderland can win the double], but if you get to The Final you have a chance.
"I would prefer to stay in the Premier League but if we win The Cup I'll be jumping up and down and celebrating with the fans.
"We will see who the draw brings and who knows what is going to happen? We’ll just keep going."
And he reserved a final word for his match-winner, Craig Gardner: "The position we played Craig today is the best position for him.
"Behind the striker he can find himself in a position to have shots. It was a wonderful shot from him."
