First-half goals from Connor Wickham and Jermain Defoe were enough to hand Sunderland a 2-0 victory over Burnley this afternoon as the Black Cats picked up their first Premier League win in six attempts.

Jermain Defoe of Sunderland embraces Manager Gustavo Poyet of Sunderland during the Barclays Premier League match against Burnley on January 31, 2015 © Getty Images

Both sides looked to attack in the opening few minutes and George Boyd should have done better with a precise Kieran Trippier cross, before Defoe saw his shot deflected behind for a corner.

Wickham then thought that he had put his side ahead after 12 minutes, but the referee blew his whistle for a foul in the build-up to the striker finding the back of the net.

Burnley were almost handed the lead when Costel Pantilimon dropped the ball at the feet of David Jones, but the giant goalkeeper recovered to save his shot.

Ashley Barnes then nodded wide of the target at the far post and, within a couple of minutes, the home side took the lead.

Connor Wickham of Sunderland scores the opening goal past Thomas Heaton of Burnley during the Barclays Premier League match against Burnley on January 31, 2015 © Getty Images

Anthony Reveillere sent a teasing cross into the box which Wickham attacked to send a firm header into the back of the net.

Boyd was then denied by a sprawling Pantilimon save and, just as Barnes was punished by Wickham, Defoe made the midfielder pay with a poacher's finish from six yards out as he opened his Sunderland account.

Defoe should have netted his second goal two minutes after the break, but he could only direct Patrick van Aanholt's cross into the hands of Tom Heaton.

Dean Marney then headed at Pantilimon before Barnes saw an effort deflected wide as Burnley refused to give in.

Wickham blazed an effort over the crossbar before Ben Mee became the next Burnley player to waste a good opportunity as he directed a free header too high on an afternoon that the visitors were left to rue missed chances.