Sunderland beats Everton, edges closer to safety

Published Apr. 20, 2013 1:13 p.m. ET

foxsports

Sunderland kept up its revival under new manager Paolo Di Canio by beating Champions League-chasing Everton 1-0 on Saturday, lifting the team six points clear of the relegation zone.

The rejuvenated Stephane Sessegnon capitalized on Leighton Baines' error to grab the winner, taking a pass from Sebastian Larsson and delivering a low finish into the far corner for his seventh goal of the season.

A first win over Everton in 12 years continued the momentum under Di Canio, who has won two of his three matches since replacing Martin O'Neill last month. His only defeat was a 2-1 loss at Chelsea.

Everton's top-four hopes took a massive hit, with David Moyes' side now five points behind fourth-place Chelsea having played two games more. Everton has four matches left.