Sunderland moved four points clear of the Premier League relegation zone by beating Burnley 2-0 this afternoon.

The Black Cats took the lead when Connor Wickham powered in a header from Anthony Reveillere's cross.

Jermain Defoe then added a second goal before half time as he touched in Patrick van Aanholt's delivery from close range.

Here, Sports Mole rates the performances of each of the players on show at the Stadium of Light.

SUNDERLAND:

Goal

Costel Pantilimon: Although the keeper did not have too many saves to make, he was assured in everything that he did and showed safe hands throughout. (7/10)

Defence

Anthony Reveillere: Laid on the first goal for Wickham with a great run in behind down the right. He had a couple more dangerous moments in attack and defended well on his flank too. (7/10)

John O'Shea: Dealt well with the threat of the Burnley forwards and kept Ings quiet throughout. (7/10)

Santiago Vergini: Showed good composure at the back all afternoon and never allowed the opposition to get in behind him. (7/10)

Patrick van Aanholt: Set up Defoe's goal with a great ball across the box. He was involved again shortly after the break when he found the striker once more, but on that occasion he could not convert the chance. (7/10)

Midfield

Liam Bridcutt: Decent display from the midfielder, who used possession well and kept things ticking over for the hosts. (6/10)

Sebastian Larsson: Was involved in the first goal, but it was generally a quiet afternoon for the Swede. He could not have his usual impact from set pieces, with his deliveries letting him down on a few occasions. (6/10)

Adam Johnson: Looked to get involved in everything and was a constant threat to the Burnley defence. (7/10)

Jordi Gomez: Played a great ball in to Van Aanholt as the full-back set up Defoe's goal. Struggled to create too much else, but was solid in the middle of the pitch. (6/10)

Attack

Connor Wickham: Took his goal brilliantly with a firm header past the keeper. He caused plenty more problems for the Burnley defence throughout the afternoon. (8/10)

Jermain Defoe: Scored his first goal for the Black Cats with a poacher's finish. He almost added a second goal shortly after the break, but fired his effort into the keeper's arms. (7/10)

Substitutes

Steven Fletcher: Did not see much off the ball after coming on for Defoe. (6/10)

Danny Graham: Was brought on for the final 15 minutes, but it was not enough time to make an impact. (6/10)

Ricky Alvarez: Came on for the last four minutes and almost set up a goal for O'Shea from a corner. (6/10)

BURNLEY:

Goal

Tom Heaton: Cannot be blamed for either of the goals that he conceded as he was left badly exposed by his defence. (6/10)

Defence

Kieran Trippier: Probably Burnley's best player this afternoon. He delivered a number of great balls into the box that his teammates could not take advantage of and always looked a threat. (7/10)

Jason Shackwell: Was caught out for both of Sunderland's goals and will feel that he could have done a better job of marking Defoe. (6/10)

Ben Mee: As with the rest of the defence, he was exposed for both of the goals and had a tough time dealing with the Sunderland front two. (6/10)

Michael Keane: Another who struggled at times to deal with the pace and threat of Defoe. (6/10)

Midfield

Dean Marney: Showed plenty of determination, but his decision-making let him down in the second half. He should also have scored after connecting with a cross just a few yards out, but he headed the ball straight at the keeper. (6/10)

David Jones: Busy game sitting in front of the midfield, but was overrun at times by the Sunderland attack. (6/10)

Scott Arfield: Struggled to get involved too much and rarely got in behind down the right. (5/10)

George Boyd: One of the brighter sparks for the visitors this afternoon. He delivered a couple of telling crosses and linked up well with Boyd, but his finishing let him down. (7/10)

Attack

Danny Ings: The forward cut a frustrated figure at times. He barely had a chance and was taken off on the hour mark. (6/10)

Ashley Barnes: Caused some problems for the Sunderland defence, but he was not given enough chances to show his threat. (6/10)

Substitutes

Lucas Jutkiewicz: Came on for Ings, but rarely looked like getting on the scoresheet. (5/10)

Sam Vokes: Replaced Barnes and added some urgency to the Burnley attack in the closing stages. (6/10)

Ross Wallace : Delivered a couple of teasing corners that almost led to goals. (6/10)