SUNDERLAND – Habib Diarra’s standout performance in the first half propelled Sunderland to a convincing 3-0 victory over a struggling Burnley side in Monday’s Premier League clash.

Diarra, who joined Sunderland from Strasbourg in the previous summer, excelled by scoring a goal and contributing to another that deflected into the net, setting the stage for a dominant first half. Chemsdine Talbi later rounded off the scoring for the Black Cats.

This triumph extended Sunderland’s unbeaten streak at home to 12 matches, setting a new benchmark for a team fresh from promotion. The win also saw them leapfrog Fulham and Everton to claim the eighth spot in the league standings.

Diarra’s opening goal in the ninth minute carried an element of luck, as his shot with his right foot deflected off a defender, catching Burnley’s goalkeeper Martin Dubravka off guard. The deflection was subsequently recorded as an own goal by Axel Tuanzebe, making him the 12th player in Premier League history to score own goals for three different teams: Manchester United, Ipswich Town, and Burnley.

In contrast, Diarra’s second goal was a testament to his skill, struck from nearly the same spot 23 minutes later. Although Dubravka managed to get a hand to the powerful shot, he was unable to prevent it from finding the back of the net.

Talbi sealed Sunderland’s comprehensive win by cutting in from the left flank and delivering a spectacular strike.

Burnley did not have a shot on target and ended the night second-to-last in the table.

Scott Parker’s men have not won in 15 league games since October. The Lancashire side was seven points clear of last-placed Wolves but five behind West Ham and nine adrift of fourth-from-bottom Nottingham Forest.

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