Hull City earn a crucial win in their quest for Premier League survival with a 3-1 triumph over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, ending a run of 10 games without a victory.

Hull City recorded their first victory in 11 games as they defeated Sunderland 3-1 at the Stadium of Light this afternoon.

Hull City's English defender James Chester scores their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Sunderland and Hull City at The Stadium of Light in Sunderland, north east England on December 26, 2014 © Getty Images

The Black Cats got off to the perfect start in the match when Adam Johnson seized on a poor back-pass from Curtis Davies to Allan McGregor and rounded the keeper to fire his side in front.

Gus Poyet's men had the chance to double their advantage, but John O'Shea headed over from close range from Johnson's corner from the right.

Hull managed to get back on level terms when Gaston Ramirez picked the ball up 25 yards from goal and fired a low strike towards the bottom corner, which beat the outstretched hand of Costel Pantilimon.

The Black Cats could have been awarded a penalty late in the half when a cross from Johnson appeared to hit the hand of Alex Bruce, but referee Andre Marriner waved their claims away.

Just before the break, Poyet's men pressed ahead to try to retake the lead, but Ricky Alvarez's effort was well saved by McGregor, while Hull somehow managed to clear their lines for a corner seconds later.

In the second half, Hull managed to force their way into the lead as Pantilimon made a great save to deny Robbie Brady from a free kick, but from the resulting corner James Chester powered a header into the net.

The Tigers could have added a third goal when space opened up for him through the middle of the Sunderland defence, but he hit his strike straight at Pantilimon.

Sunderland pushed late in the game but had another penalty shout turned down by Marriner, while Steve Bruce's side sealed their win on a counter-attack as substitute Nikica Jelavic netted deep in stoppage time.