Recap

Sunderland Dominate Burnley with Convincing 3-0 Victory at Stadium of Light

Sunderland secured a commanding 3-0 win over Burnley in the Premier League on February 2, 2026, at the Stadium of Light, propelling them up to eighth place with 33 points from 24 matches. The Black Cats delivered a clinical performance, highlighted by goals from an own goal, Habib Diarra’s first for the club, and a stunning strike from Chemsdine Talbi, while Burnley, languishing in 19th with just 15 points from 24 games, offered little resistance.

Match Overview and Key Statistics

The encounter showcased Sunderland’s superiority from the outset, with the home side controlling possession and creating numerous chances. Played under the lights at the Stadium of Light with Paul Tierney as the main referee, the game kicked off at 21:00 local time. Sunderland’s record prior to the match stood at 8 wins, 9 draws, and 6 losses, placing them mid-table, while Burnley struggled with only 3 wins, 6 draws, and 14 losses.

Key moments unfolded across both halves, starting with an early own goal that set the tone. By halftime, Sunderland led comfortably, and they extended their advantage post-interval. Final statistics from highlights indicate Sunderland’s dominance in shots and possession, though exact figures are pieced from commentary snippets showing Burnley’s missed opportunities, like Maxime Esteve’s header sailing wide in the 57th minute.

First Half: Sunderland Take Control Early

Sunderland wasted no time asserting dominance. An own goal by a Burnley defender in the opening stages put them ahead, described in highlights as putting the visitors “on their way” to defeat. This came off a well-worked move, capitalizing on Burnley’s defensive fragility, a recurring issue for the Clarets who sat second-bottom in the table with 15 points from 23 games pre-match.

Habib Diarra then doubled the lead, scoring his maiden goal for Sunderland. Commentary captured the excitement: “Jara on the move. THERE’S THE SHOT. OH, IT GOES IN. Bar a big deflection. And Javiara scores his first goal for the club.” Likely referring to Diarra, the midfielder’s effort, aided by a deflection, silenced any Burnley hopes around the 30-45 minute mark.

Burnley had moments of promise, with Marcus Edwards delivering crosses, one cleared by Sunderland’s backline just outside the box. However, free kicks won by Lucas Pires and Edwards on the wings failed to yield results. Sunderland’s defense, anchored by players like Dennis Cirkin and possibly Daniel Ballard, held firm. Halftime arrived with Sunderland 2-0 up, their biggest margin of the campaign so far shaping up.

Second Half: Talbi Seals the Rout

Post-restart, Burnley pushed forward, evidenced by a 57th-minute header from Maxime Esteve, assisted by Kyle Walker’s cross from a set piece, but it flew high and wide. Brian Brobbey won a free kick in the attacking half at 58 minutes, hinting at Sunderland’s continued threat.

The defining moment came later when Chemsdine Talbi, the young Moroccan forward, powered home the third goal. Highlights raved: “WELL, THEY’VE HAD SOME SPECIAL MOMENTS HERE this season. AND THAT ONE’S RIGHT UP THERE FROM the Moroccan. Powered home by Talby to make it 3-0.” Talbi’s finish brought the house down, contrasting with a mentioned “Robbie” who fluffed his lines earlier. This sealed Sunderland’s largest winning margin of the season.

Burnley, featuring players like Lesley Ugochukwu, Marcus Edwards, and James Ward-Prowse in midfield, couldn’t muster a response. Their attack lacked potency, with no goals despite efforts from Jacob Larsen and others. Sunderland’s subs, including Romaine Mundle and Jenson Arron Jones, maintained momentum.

Standout Player Performances

Habib Diarra emerged as the star, notching his first Sunderland goal and winning key free kicks, including one in the defensive half. His movement and shot exemplified the Black Cats’ attacking verve.

Chemsdine Talbi, the 20-year-old forward, lit up the Stadium of Light with his third goal, drawing comparisons to Sunderland’s special moments this term. His power and finishing were pivotal.

Brian Brobbey impressed with his physicality, winning fouls in dangerous areas and linking play effectively. Defensively, Nordi Mukiele and Trai Hume were solid, with Mukiele firing a shot wide early on.

For Burnley, Marcus Edwards showed glimpses on the right wing, winning free kicks and delivering crosses, but it wasn’t enough. Maxime Esteve’s missed header summed up their profligacy, while Kyle Walker provided service from set pieces. Goalkeeper and backline, including Bashir Humphreys and Joe Worrall, were exposed.

Tactical Breakdown and Managerial Insights

Sunderland’s manager opted for a high-pressing game, exploiting Burnley’s low block. Wing play from Romaine Mundle and central thrusts from Enzo Le Fée and Diarra overwhelmed the visitors. Burnley, traveling from the North East as per their preview, aimed to grind out a result but were outclassed, their 15 points reflecting relegation worries.

The win catapults Sunderland to eighth, level on 33 points with Newcastle and Bournemouth, boosting survival and European dreams. Sky Sports noted: “Diarra stars as Sunderland sweep lacklustre Burnley aside to move up to eighth.” Burnley remain in the drop zone, above only Wolves on 8 points.

Implications for the Premier League Table

Pre-match, the relegation battle was tight: West Ham 18th with 20 points from 24, Burnley 19th with 15 from 23, Wolves 20th with 8 from 24. Sunderland’s victory closes the gap to top-half sides like Fulham and Everton on 34 points.

Team	GP	W	D	L	GD	P
Sunderland	24	8	9	6	+?	33
Burnley	24	3	6	14	-?	15
Newcastle	24	9	6	9	0	33

Post-Match Reactions and Highlights Availability

Fans and pundits hailed Sunderland’s display, with NBC Sports and Sky Sports highlights capturing the goals in full. Burnley’s preview had warned of a tough trip to the “Mackems,” but reality was harsher. Upcoming fixtures will test Sunderland’s form, while Burnley face a relegation scrap.

Lineups featured Sunderland’s Omar Alderete, Reinildo, and forwards like Brobbey and Talbi, against Burnley’s Lucas, Ugochukwu, and Mejbri. No red cards noted, though fouls peppered the game.

This result underscores Sunderland’s home strength, having scored 18 goals there this season (75% of total). Burnley, winless in recent outings, must regroup swiftly.

In broader context, the match coincided with transfer deadline drama, but on-pitch matters dominated, affirming Premier League’s unpredictability even in 2026.