28 Apr 2014

Crucial win for Sunderland over relegation rivals Cardiff

6:39 am on 28 April 2014

Sunderland's biggest win of the season gave them new hope of avoiding Premier League football relegation when they beat fellow strugglers Cardiff City 4-0 at home.

Cardiff, who had Spanish defender Juan Cala sent off just before half-time, replaced them in bottom position with two games left and are in serious danger of returning to the Championship (second tier) after one season in the top flight.

Cardiff have 30 points, one behind Fulham.

Norwich City dropped into the bottom three on 32 points, the same as Sunderland but having played one more game.

Norwich, beaten 4-0 by Manchester United for a fifth successive defeat, have two tough matches left, away to Chelsea and at home to Arsenal.