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Sunderland manager Gus Poyet refused to get carried away after his side moved out of the Premier League's bottom three with a 4-0 win over Cardiff.

The Black Cats are now above the relegation zone on goal difference and have games against Manchester United, West Brom and Swansea left.

"We need to be calm and not think that we have done everything because we have done nothing," said Poyet.

"There are still games to play and everything can change."

Connor Wickham headed Sunderland in front against fellow strugglers Cardiff and was then fouled by Juan Cala, who was sent off, as the home side earned a penalty which Fabio Borini converted.

Emanuele Giaccherini and another Wickham header completed Sunderland's biggest win of the season.

Poyet had spoken of his side needing a "miracle" to stay up after a 5-1 defeat by Tottenham in early April, but his side have taken seven points from the last nine to move closer to safety.

"It didn't look good," added Poyet. "I talk about miracles and let's see if in two weeks I am here and telling you that they happen."

Sunderland's second goal came after referee Phil Dowd had initially played on before awarding a penalty after Wickham failed to capitalise.

"It is the best decision I have ever seen from a referee in my life," said Poyet. "It is a perfect decision because that brings the game to where we all want: where players try to stay on their feet and keep going."

Wickham has scored five goals in the last three games and Poyet praised the impact the 21-year-old, who has spent spells on loan at Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds this season, has had since his return.

"He was waiting for his chance," said Poyet. "He needed a run of games."