Match Analysis: Sunderland 1-3 Hull City

Sunderland succumbed to a 3-1 defeat against Hull City in the Premier League Boxing Day clash at the Stadium of Light.

The hosts took the lead through Adam Johnson within the first 30 seconds of the game, but Gaston Ramirez struck a lucky goal in the 33rd minute to level proceedings.

Gus Poyet's charges then had a number of penalty appeals turned down late in the first half, before the Tigers took the lead in the 51st minute through James Chester.

Steve Bruce's side then killed off the game deep in injury time when Nikica Jelavic added a third for the visitors, who climb out of the relegation zone.

Here, Sports Mole looks at whether Hull were worthy winners.

Match statistics

SUNDERLAND Shots: 12 On target: 3 Possession: 47% Corners: 10 Fouls: 12

HULL Shots: 13 On target: 5 Possession: 53% Corners: 4 Fouls: 6

Was the result fair?

Yes it was, though how it came to be is subject to controversy. Sunderland were in front after just 30 seconds and were dominant thereafter, save for a tentatively bright spell by the visitors. Then Hull equalised through a lucky goal, but Poyet's charges continued to push forward and were denied several very legitimate penalty shouts. From then on, the hosts crumbled as the Tigers piled on the pressure and were able to claim the win. Had a penalty been awarded to Sunderland, it may have been a completely different game, but credit to Hull for pulling it right back.

Sunderland's performance

In the first half, very positive. The defence had little to do, but the midfield was on the case, with Johnson and Sebastian Larsson proving the brightest sparks pushing forward. However, as the game went on, the performance became ever sloppier, with the back line being torn to pieces and the forwards failing to threaten.

Hull's performance

Again it proved a game of two halves. They never really got going in the first half, with Curtis Davies gifting Sunderland the opportunity for them to open the scoring, which they took. However, as the game went on, everything appeared to click for the Tigers, with the front line players - Ramirez in particular - performing well and the defence standing strong and steady.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Gaston Ramirez: He scored his side's first goal and set up the second, while also proving a constant threat pushing forward and creating chances.

Biggest gaffe

Curtis Davies wins this dubious award today for his awful back-pass in the first minute, which allowed Johnson to sneak in and open the scoring. Luckily for him it didn't prove decisive.

Referee performance

Not the best game for Andre Marriner, who waved away two clear penalty calls that saw the ball strike the arms of Hull players in their box. He also failed to punish Lee Cattermole for a dangerous elbow on Ramirez on the hour mark.

What next?

Sunderland: The Black Cats, who remain 14th in the table, travel to Aston Villa on December 28.

Hull: The Tigers, 17th in the table, welcome Leicester City on December 28.