Gus Poyet needed just one word to describe this win for his Sunderland side on Saturday: “Important.”  

His players produced a more flowing performance than the Black Cats’ fans are used to watching and gave them a home win to cheer for the first time since early October. 

“It was just what we needed,” said Poyet. “I‘m pleased for the players and the fans.”  

But he had a word of warning for those who thought the danger of relegation had been quelled: “We have won a football game, that’s it. Next week we have to do the same. We need to keep improving.”

The home side’s intent was clear early on and Connor Wickham had the ball in the net after 11 minutes but was pulled back for fouling David Jones.  

Nine minutes later the Sunderland man had his goal.  Referee Lee Mason played an advantage as Sebastian Larsson was fouled, allowing the Swede to find Anthony Reveillere who crossed for an unmarked Wickham to head home. 

The advantage was doubled less than 15 minutes later after Adam Johnson and Jordi Gomez combined to find Patrick Van Aanholt who crossed for Jermain Defoe to tap home his first goal since his big-money move.

Burnley, who have notched up just two away Premier League wins in 29 attempts, never really posed a threat and the game was effectively over as a contest at half time.

“The edge we normally play with in the first half wasn’t there,” said Burnley boss Sean Dyche. “They were the best half in the first half and deserved to be ahead but in the second half we didn’t respond. 

“Our performance didn’t have enough clarity or edge for us to win.  It’s another big reminder that you have to be up for every game in the Premier League.”