Nigeria international Taiwo Awoniyi scored his first Premier League goal of the season as Coventry City secured an important 3-1 victory over Sunderland, climbing out of the relegation zone.

The Sky Blues extended their impressive head-to-head record against the Black Cats, suffering just one defeat in their last 13 meetings, with six wins and six draws.

In a contest between two sides battling near the bottom of the table, 19th-placed Coventry made the brighter start against rock-bottom Sunderland. Stephen Mfuni came close early on but directed his header wide.

Sunderland, who had conceded the opening goal in six of their first eight league matches, found themselves behind again in the 17th minute. A misplaced clearance from Trai Hume fell to Tatsuhiro Sakamoto, who produced a superb first-time finish into the bottom corner to register his first goal of the campaign.

The visitors had an opportunity to respond four minutes later, but Brian Brobbey failed to make the most of a one-on-one situation, dragging his effort wide of Carl Rushworth’s goal.

That miss proved costly as Frank Lampard’s Coventry doubled their advantage in the 37th minute through Awoniyi. The Nigerian forward won possession from Luke O’Nien around 40 yards from goal, drove into the penalty area and calmly fired past Robin Roefs to put the hosts in control.

Coventry carried their momentum into the second half and extended their lead shortly after the restart. Jack Rudoni’s effort from 20 yards took a significant deflection off Omar Alderete, leaving Roefs with no chance.

Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris responded by introducing Wilson Isidor and Chemsdine Talbi in an attempt to revive his side’s challenge.

The substitutions helped the visitors improve, and they reduced the deficit when Enzo Le Fée converted from the penalty spot after Ethan Pinnock was penalised for handball from close range.

With the game entering its final 20 minutes, Sunderland pushed forward in search of another goal. Brobbey headed over, while O’Nien saw a goalbound effort blocked by Mfuni.

Despite the late pressure, Coventry remained resolute to secure their third league victory in five matches and move up to 15th in the table, four points ahead of Sunderland.

The visitors’ difficult afternoon was compounded in the final minute of stoppage time when Alderete was sent off.