A second-half hat-trick from Yannick Bolasie has earned Crystal Palace a comfortable 4-1 victory away at Sunderland.

After a goalless first half, Palace ran riot with Murray opening the scoring before Bolasie netted three times in 11 minutes to earn his team their fourth successive win.

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After a slow start from both sides, it was Palace who created the first clear-cut opening through Jason Puncheon, but the winger's shot was never troubling Costel Pantilimon in the Sunderland goal.

As the first half continued, Sunderland were beginning to dominate possession but their end product was poor, much to the frustration of Dick Advocaat.

They were nearly given a helping hand when a cross from Billy Jones was diverted towards goal by Dann, but Julian Speroni was on hand to keep the ball out.

Just before half time, Patrick van Aanholt got forward down the left-hand side before crossing for Steven Fletcher, but the Scot's header was tame and Speroni made the comfortable save.

However, three minutes after the restart, Palace went in front through Glenn Murray, who was perfectly positioned to score after Bolasie's effort had been saved by Pantilimon.

Moments later, the duo switched roles to double Palace's advantage. Murray flicked the ball into the path of Bolasie, who beat the goalkeeper to it before finding the corner of the net.

The game was put to bed soon afterwards as the Eagles netted their third. Sunderland failed to clear a long ball and Bolasie took full advantage, taking the ball past two defenders before flicking his shot over Pantilimon.

Sunderland supporters were leaving in their droves and it got worse for the home side when Bolasie completed an 11-minute treble after latching onto a pass from Murray before finding the back of the net with a scrappy finish.

The home side were shell-shocked, and although they found a consolation through Connor Wickham in the final minute, they remain in danger of relegation to the Championship.