Sunderland beats West Ham 3-0

(AP Photo/Scott Heppell)

SUNDERLAND, England (AP) Sunderland climbed further away from the English Premier League relegation zone by dispatching West Ham 3-0 on Saturday.

Sunderland dominated the visitors, who were saved from a heavier defeat only by some fine saves by goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Sebastian Larsson smashed in a left-foot drive from 25 yards out in the 12th minute, and Adam Johnson secured the result moments after halftime in comical fashion. West Ham fullback Dan Potts attempted to chest a rebound back to Jaaskelainen, but Steven Fletcher poached the ball and fed Johnson to put it into an empty net.

The last goal, in the 74th, was set up by the frequently dangerous Stephane Sessegnon, who shot to the far post and James McClean scored from a tight angle.

Updated January 12, 2013