Scrappy second-half efforts from strikers Danny Graham and Jermain Defoe earned Sunderland a 2-0 victory at Everton on Saturday that fired them out of the Premier League relegation zone.
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Sunderland went ahead in the 53rd minute when Jordi Gomez’s shot struck Graham on the leg and looped over Tim Howard and Defoe claimed a second five minutes from time by steering Adam Johnson’s deflected shot into the net with his thigh.
It was Sunderland’s first away win since a 1-0 success at Newcastle United on December 21 and catapulted Dick Advocaat’s side up to 14th place, two points clear of the bottom three with three matches to play.
Getting even more dire. Soppy Sunderland beat Everton 2-0 1 pt, goal difference better than Toon @NUFC WBA now our cup final Howay The Lads
— John McCririck (@RealMcCririck) May 9, 2015
Roberto Martinez’s Everton, who struck the post through James McCarthy at 1-0 down, remain 11th.
Hull City fell into the drop zone ahead of their home game with bottom club Burnley later on Saturday, when victory for the hosts will condemn their opponents to relegation.
Second-bottom Queens Park Rangers, who visit Manchester City on Sunday, can also be relegated if results go against them.