12 May 2016

Sunderland survive, Norwich, Newcastle relegated

9:02 am on 12 May 2016

Lamine Kone was the surprise hero as Sunderland secured their Premier League football survival and relegated their north-east rivals Newcastle United as well as Norwich City with a 3-0 win at home over Everton.

Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce.

Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Centre back Kone scored twice to move Sam Allardyce's side up to 38 points with one match remaining, four clear of both Newcastle and Norwich who will join Aston Villa in the Championship next season.

Sunderland took the lead six minutes before half-time as Patrick van Aanholt's free kick was completely misjudged by Everton keeper Joel Robles before nestling in the net.

It was 2-0 three minutes later as Kone lashed home a lofted ball into the box before the Ivorian started the celebrations 10 minutes after the restart when he converted from a corner which Robles palmed straight to him.

Aston Villa were relegated to the Championship last month, they're 17 points adrift at the bottom of the table.

Burnley and Middlesbrough will be promoted to the Premier League after finishing first and second in the Championship.

Brighton & Hove Albion, Hull City, Derby County and Sheffield Wednesday will contest the playoffs to decide the last promotion place.

-Reuters