Sunderland earn vital win against Fulham

Adam Johnson scored a hat-trick as Sunderland defeated Fulham 4-1 in their Premier League match at Craven Cottage this afternoon.

Fulham had a good chance to take the lead early on, but Dimitar Berbatov headed a corner straight into the hands of Vito Mannone.

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David Stockdale then had to be alert in the Fulham goal to push Phil Bardsley's long-range strike wide.

The visitors came even closer when Steven Fletcher beat Stockdale to a free kick, but headed over from close range.

Sunderland took the lead in the 29th minute of the match, when Adam Johnson curled a free kick into the top corner of the net.

Four minutes before half time, the visitors doubled their advantage. Johnson fired in a low corner, which Ki Sung-Yueng met in the centre of the penalty area to fire past the keeper.

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After the break, Fulham were given a way back into the game when Steve Sidwell headed home from Damien Duff's corner kick.

Sunderland restored their two-goal lead in the 69th minute of the match, after Ki slid a precise ball through to Johnson, and he made no mistake, to finish low past the keeper.

The visitors sealed the three points with five minutes left to play. Philippe Senderos fouled Jozy Altidore in the box, and Johnson stepped up to take the penalty kick, and complete his hat-trick.