Referee called it right, says boss Martinez

“I think there were a few challenges due to the conditions – the rain made the pitch quicker and faster – and I thought the referee understood,” said Martinez.

“I think Gareth gets the ball and then it slips away and I thought the decision to give a yellow card was right considering that was the level given to other challenges in the game.”

On the first goal he added: “I haven’t seen it so I can’t really comment.

“I think the way it was understood (it was Mirallas’s goal) but I’m going to check. I wouldn’t like to gamble on that one.”

Martinez was far happier talking about Pienaar’s first appearance since August 31.

The South African was not expected to return until next week but the manager changed his mind a couple of days ago.

“Thursday’s session he looked really sharp and he finished so clinically I felt he was not ready for 90 minutes but we had to have him around the team,” he said.

“First touch and back of the net is quite an impact.

“Steven Pienaar brings something really special to our side, for many reasons – firstly the understanding he has with Leighton Baines and also the way he can find space.

“We knew he couldn’t play 90 minutes but the impact he had in the game was terrific.

“It was important for us to have that little bit of magic to get that second goal.”

Gus Poyet’s first game as Sunderland manager ended in a heavy defeat as they slipped to a 4-0 loss at Swansea, the Black Cats remaining anchored to the foot of the table.

The visitors were in the game until two goals in the space of a minute gave Michael Laudrup’s side the win.

Phil Bardsley’s own goal was followed rapidly by a fantastic strike from Jonathan De Guzman.

The third Swansea goal came courtesy of Wilfried Bony’s penalty after Craig Gardner had bundled Leon Britton over inside the box, with Steven Fletcher’s own goal making it four with 10 minutes remaining.

Stoke continued to struggle in front of goal as they drew 0-0 at home to West Brom.

Manchester City moved back in o the top four as Sergio Aguero starred in their 3-1 win at West Ham.

The 25-year-old scored twice before Ricardo Vaz Te pulled one back only for David Silva to complete the scoring.