Norwich City have moved seven points clear of the Premier League relegation zone with a 2-0 victory over Sunderland at Carrow Road.

Jonny Howson had a chance early on for the hosts when he picked up a loose ball just outside the box and fired in a low effort, but his shot was comfortably saved by the keeper.

In the 20th minute Norwich took the lead through Robert Snodgrass, who arrived in the box to meet Johan Elmander's pullback and placed a low strike into the bottom corner.

Alexander Tettey scored a second for the home side in the 32nd minute when he latched onto John O'Shea's headed clearance and fired a long-range volley into the far corner past Vito Mannone.

Norwich almost added a third goal at the start of the second half when Ricky van Wolfswinkel met Wes Hoolahan's cross but saw his downwards header tipped over by the keeper.

Sunderland looked for a way back into the match and Wes Brown saw his close-range header saved by John Ruddy.

Hoolahan came close to extending his side's advantage, but his low strike was kept out by the keeper.

The visitors finished the game with 10 men after Marcos Alonso was sent off in stoppage time for a picking up a second yellow card, as Norwich held on to claim the three points.