Southampton's Serbian midfielder Dusan Tadic (2nd R) scores the opening goal from the penalty spot during the English Premier League football match between Sunderland and Southampton at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, north east England on November 7, © Getty Images

The hosts were looking for an early goal as Duncan Watmore, who was starting a Premier League match for the first time in his career, charged at the Southampton goal, but the visitors did enough to clear the danger.

Southampton soon started to dominate possession, but a Tadic cross was sliced wide by Sadio Mane, while Costel Pantilimon managed to save an effort from Tadic a couple of minutes later.

The keeper continued to come under pressure in the first half as Southampton pushed for the opening goal, but he denied Graziano Pelle after Jordi Gomez had blocked a James Ward-Prowse strike.

Sunderland tried to get involved down the other end again before the interval, but Ola Toivonen wasted a chance after being played though by Yann M'Vila.

The visitors were threatening again at the start of the second half as Mane created some space before seeing his shot punched clear by Pantilimon, while Billy Jones blocked a volley from Pelle moments later.

Jose Fonte tried to head in from a corner as the Saints continued to search for the first goal of the match, but DeAndre Yedlin was in the right place at the right time to clear off the line.

Another goalline clearance was needed to keep Sunderland on level terms on the hour mark as Steve Davis tried to make the most of a Tadic cross, but Sebastian Coates got it away.

Southampton finally opened the scoring with just over 20 minutes remaining as M'Vila brought down Ryan Bertrand in the penalty area, leaving Tadic to smash the ball in from the spot.

Sunderland had a couple of chances to get back on level terms within a few minutes, but Fabio Borini's half-volley was kept out by Maarten Stekelenburg, before Adam Johnson rifled over from 25 yards out.

The Black Cats continued to press as full time approached, and wanted a spot kick when a Jack Rodwell header appeared to catch Maya Yoshida on the arm, but the referee was not convinced, leaving Southampton to seal all three points.

The result leaves Southampton seventh in the table, while Sunderland sit 19th, four points from safety.