Premier League: Sunderland 3 Norwich 0

Sunderland continued their excellent revival under Martin O’Neill with a comfortable 3-0 Premier League victory over Norwich City.

Stunning goals from Fraizer Campbell and Stephane Sessegnon before an own goal from Norwich defender Dani Ayala ensured Sunderland kept up their outside chances of qualifying for Europe.

The home side made a bright start at the Stadium of Light as James McClean provided a perfect cross for Campbell who headed straight at goalkeeper John Ruddy and then Sessegnon found Sebastian Larsson free inside the area, but the winger disappointingly dragged his shot wide.

Norwich went close shortly after as a long free kick was flicked on by Steve Morrison into the path of Grant Holt, who had found space in the area, but the City skipper volleyed straight at Simon Mignolet on the volley.

Campbell then continued his magnificent comeback to football after two horrific knee injuries with a goal of the season contender in the 21st minute.

After getting a lucky ricochet go his way the striker took one touch to get it out of his feet and from 25 yards volleyed the ball into the top corner.

Sunderland doubled the score seven minutes later as Sessegnon finished off a wonderful flowing move.

Kyle Naughton’s cross was headed away to the Benin international in his own half before he turned and drifted by Bradley Johnson and then sprayed the ball out to Campbell.

The striker then crossed first time onto the head of Sessegnon, who could not miss from six yards out.

Such was the home side’s dominance it was something of a surprise that they were only 2-0 up at the break as Norwich struggled to cope with the high tempo nature of Martin O’Neill’s men.

The second half began much in the same way as the first with the home side on the front foot and it took them just nine minutes to break through the porous Norwich defence again.

Excellent link up play down the right hand side ended with Phil Bardsley racing towards goal before his powerful cut back was diverted into the net by Norwich defender Ayala.

Admirably, Norwich continued to search for a goal of their own, which left them terribly over-exposed at the back at times and Craig Gardner had two good chances to extend the lead further.

Sunderland’s tempo dropped in the closing stages as they seemed content with their fourth win in five games.