Taiwo Awoniyi was on target as Coventry City sealed a 3-1 win over Sunderland, moving Frank Lampard’s side out of the Premier League relegation zone.

The Nigerian striker scored Coventry’s second goal in the 37th minute, punishing a defensive error from Sunderland captain Luke O’Nien before driving through the visitors’ defence and finding the net with the help of a deflection.

Tatsuhiro Sakamoto and Jack Rudoni also scored for the hosts, while Enzo Le Fée converted a second-half penalty for Sunderland.

The result leaves the Black Cats rooted to the bottom of the table after suffering their sixth defeat in nine league matches.

Awoniyi takes advantage of Sunderland error

Coventry started brightly after Lampard made four changes to the team that lost to Fulham last weekend.

Their pressure paid off in the 17th minute when Sunderland failed to deal with a routine cross, allowing Sakamoto to collect the loose ball and score with a fine finish from the edge of the penalty area.

Awoniyi extended the advantage eight minutes before half-time after capitalising on another defensive mistake.

The former Nottingham Forest forward dispossessed O’Nien, surged through the Sunderland defence and finished past the goalkeeper, with his effort taking a deflection on its way into the net.

Sunderland struggled to respond before the break, with Brian Brobbey missing their clearest opportunity.

Coventry hold on despite Le Fée penalty

Rudoni effectively settled the contest seven minutes into the second half when his shot deflected off Sunderland defender Omar Alderete and found the net.

Sunderland were awarded a penalty in the 67th minute after a lengthy VAR review confirmed that Coventry defender Ethan Pinnock had handled O’Nien’s effort.

Le Fée converted from the spot, but the visitors could not find another goal to threaten a comeback.

Their afternoon ended on a further disappointing note when Alderete received a second yellow card in stoppage time for bringing down Rudoni.

The victory gives Coventry their third league win of the season and moves them out of the relegation zone, while Sunderland remain at the bottom of the table.