Kone at double as Cats survive

SUNDERLAND completed another improbable Premier League survival mission and relegated north-east rivals Newcastle in the process after cruising to a 3-0 victory over woeful Everton at the Stadium of Light.

Two goals from Lamine Kone followed a Patrick van Aanholt free-kick as the hosts sealed survival with a game to spare - an achievement lent extra sweetness by the fact it consigned the Magpies, as well as Norwich, to the Championship.

From looking down and out after losing five straight league games at the end of 2015, the Sam Allardyce-inspired drive to safety was made to seem strangely comfortable by another simply abject performance from Roberto Martinez’s visitors.

Apart from two halfhearted efforts from right-back Matthew Pennington, one of the few Toffees players to emerge with any credit, the visitors’ lackadaisical approach earned few rewards and cast further doubt over their manager’s future.

From the moment Van Aanholt’s 38thminute free-kick left Joel Robles strangely rooted to his spot, the Black Cats’ mission seemed accomplished, Kone volleying the second just four minutes later before his closerange strike in the second half sealed the deal.

Norwich were relegated from the Premier League despite Nathan Redmond inspiring a 4-2 win over Watford at Carrow Road.

In last night’s other game, Liverpool striker Christian Benteke snatched an addedtime equaliser as Jurgen Klopp’s managerial magic continued at Anfield with a late 1-1 draw against Chelsea, after a rejuvenated Eden Hazard had scored his fourth goal in as many matches to put the Blues within touching distance of victory at Anfield.