Norwich leave Sunderland dangling above drop zone

NORWICH, United Kingdom (AFP) - Norwich City extended their unbeaten run to eight Premier League games with a 2-1 win at home to Sunderland on Sunday that left the visitors just a point above the relegation zone.

Goals from Sebastien Bassong and Anthony Pilkington put Norwich 2-0 up and although Craig Gardner replied before half-time, Martin O'Neill's side could not find an equaliser despite a spate of second-half opportunities.

Sunderland remain one place above the bottom three, albeit with a game in hand on most of the teams around them, while Chris Hughton's Norwich climb one place to 12th.

Beaten only once in their previous seven home games, Norwich began brightly at Carrow Road and went ahead in the eighth minute.