Former Sunderland boss thinks New York trip a factor in Southampton defeat

David Moyes told his players before the Crystal Palace game that they would jetting off to the States, the Black Cats landing a stunning 4-0 win at Selhurst Park.

Poyet, however, has suggested that the pending trip will have been a distraction in the build-up to the crucial Southampton game.

Moyes' side actually started that game well but collapsed to a heavy defeat. Poyet did admit that it could pan out to be a good decision, Moyes having great success with similar trips during his time as Everton boss.

Poyet said: “I think you need to wait and see [whether it will be a good decision]. If they come back and win three in a row, it’s the best decision he ever made.

"What I didn’t like when I was playing, is that in the week before the game, there is too much talk about the trip. You lose the focus on the last game. Is it a coincidence that they lost at home heavily, or is it about the trip?"

Crystal Palace had planned a warm weather training camp in Dubai but that was cancelled in the wake of their defeat to the Black Cats.

Swansea City boss Paul Clement has said his team will be training as normal over the next fortnight as they seek to sustain their impressive recent form.