A Saturday afternoon which concluded with a debate about grass length was summed up by Swansea’s South Korean midfielder Ki Sung-yueng: “A bit boring to be honest.”

The football was excruciating but Gus Poyet played the wide-eyed innocent when the visiting manager suggested an element of gamesmanship might have contributed to this impasse.

“The pitch wasn’t cut to the length we have ours cut to,” said Swansea’s Garry Monk. “It wasn’t as conducive to playing flowing football as we’re used to. It was also very soft and the ball flicked up off the top surface.

“I’m not saying that’s the reason we didn’t play well but the grass obviously contributed. There’s a regulation maximum length but that was probably at the highest level. It’s no excuse though. We’ve had much worse, we’ve trained on cow fields in the past and still played good football.”

His opposite number seemed mildly offended. “I don’t have a clue about grass-cutting,” said Poyet, surely somewhat disingenuously in that managers generally take a considerable interest in the amount of watering and trimming their pitches receive before matches.

What should not be doubted is that, long-term, he intends to transform his side into a possession-monopolising, slick-passing unit reminiscent of Swansea on the many good days that Monk’s team enjoy.

Right now the transition is proving a little awkward and uncomfortable. Not only have Sunderland failed to win a League game this season – they have drawn five and lost one – they are not exactly easy on the eye either.

“This is us at the moment,” said Poyet. “We need to go to the next level, and that level is scoring and winning games. It doesn’t matter if we win or not … this is the way I want.”

After spending last season on loan at the Stadium of Light, Ki – whose team-mates barely troubled Vito Mannone – believes Wearsiders should keep the faith. “Sunderland fans need to be patient because it’ll all be worth it in the end,” he said. “The style has changed under Gus. He’s tried to build a passing team and last year it sometimes worked and sometimes didn’t.

“But it takes time to get right. Sometimes you have to go backwards before going forwards. The players have to be patient – the fans too. I’d tell Sunderland’s players to keep listening to what Gus has to say. Don’t forget Swansea have had this style a long time now and it doesn’t happen straightaway, it doesn’t happen in just one season.”

Poyet had withdrawn the – once again – disappointing Jack Rodwell and the inconsistent Adam Johnson before Àngel Rangel’s dismissal for a second bookable offence prompted a late home attacking surge featuring Connor Wickham and Steven Fletcher missing inviting headed chances.

It will be intriguing to see whether Rodwell, in particular, starts when Stoke visit the north-east on Saturday.

Man of the match Lee Cattermole (Sunderland)