SUNDERLAND, England (AP) — Khabib Diarra produced a decisive first-half performance as Sunderland cruised to a 3-0 victory over struggling Burnley in the Premier League on Monday.
The midfielder, signed from Strasbourg last summer, scored one goal in the first half and deflected another goal, with Kemzudin Talbi completing the scoring for the Black Cats.
Sunderland’s unbeaten home run streak extended to 12 games, a record for a promoted team, and they moved into eighth place, ahead of Fulham and Everton.
Diarra’s opening goal in the ninth minute was a blessing in disguise, as his right-footed shot deflected nasty into the right foot of Burnley goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. This touch later resulted in an own goal for Axel Tuanzebe, making him the 12th player in Premier League history to score three own goals for three different clubs (Manchester United, Ipswich Town and Burnley).
However, they were not so lucky with Diarra’s second goal 23 minutes later, with a shot from almost the same position. Dubravka attempted a fierce shot, but was unable to stop it.
Talbi added the third goal with a great shot after cutting in from the left.
Burnley failed to get a shot on target and finished the night second from bottom in the table.
Scott Parker’s side have not won in 15 league games since October. The Lancashire side were seven points clear of Wolves, who are bottom of the table, but five points clear of West Ham and nine points clear of Nottingham Forest, who are fourth from the bottom.
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