Norwich extended their unbeaten home record to six matches with a 2-0 victory over struggling Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday.

Two first-half goals, from Robert Snodgrass and a fantastic volley from Alexander Tettey, were enough for Chris Hughton's Canaries to seal an invaluable win that moves them into 13th in the table on 32 points, seven clear of the relegation zone.

Their win over a bottom-table rival could not have come at a better time given that Norwich's final four games are against heavyweights Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.

Sunderland remain rooted in the relegation zone in 18th position, on 25 points, equal with Cardiff and one point ahead of bottom club Fulham, but with three games in hand.

Hughton made five changes to his line-up with Johan Elmander and Ricky van Wolfswinkel starting up front and captain Sebastien Bassong recalled in defence alongside Russell Martin.

Sunderland coach Gus Poyet included Jozy Altidore up front at the expense of Steven Fletcher who sustained an ankle injury last weekend. while Jack Colback replaced Seb Larsson.

Snodgrass opened the scoring at Carrow Road on 20 minutes after a poor clearance from Black Cats defender Wes Brown.

Tettey doubled the home side's lead 12 minutes later with what could be a contender for goal of the season.

Sunderland's Fabio Borini and Wes Brown had efforts saved, but Marcos Alonso was sent off late on for a second yellow card after Norwich had been better than Sunderland in every position.

Substitute Nathan Redmond came close at the death but it would have only added the gloss to an important win for Norwich - which will again go some way to keeping the pressure off Hughton.