GOALS from Fraizer Campbell and Sunderland top scorer Darren Bent have put Burnley on the back foot in their quest for Premier League survival.

The Black Cats have dominated possession and chances at the Stadium of Light, and could have gone in front before Campbell eventually broke the deadlock in the 25th minute.

Brian Jensen made a superb low save to deny powerhouse midfielder John Mensah from Jordan Henderson's right wing free kick, but Sunderland applied sustained pressure and there was a sense of inevitability when Campbell broke the deadlock, sliding in to steer Alan Hutton's right wing cross past Jensen.

Hutton, Bent and Mensah had further chances as Burnley struggled to get out of their own half.

Tyrone Mears took a chance after being allowed the time and space to make an angled run inside from the right after a free kick, but couldn't test goalkeeper Craig Gordon.

Campbell turned provider as Sunderland doubled their lead just before the break with a header back from the byeline that Bent turned in.