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Everton into fourth, Johnson hat-trick lifts Sunderland off the bottom

ESPN staff
January 11, 2014
Gareth Barry scored his 50th goal in the Premier League © PA Photos
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Everton are above Liverpool and up into fourth spot in the Premier League, and in the relegation battle, Sunderland moved off the foot of the table, with West Ham leapfrogging fellow-strugglers Cardiff and Southampton overcoming West Brom.

Everton were comfortable 2-0 winners over Norwich. Gareth Barry superbly gave them the lead 23 minutes in after firing in his effort from 20 yards out, with the fine strike being his 50th in the Premier League.

Roberto Martinez's men then gave themselves the cushion of a two-goal lead, with Kevin Mirallas beating John Ruddy from a dipping free-kick.

Adam Johnson scored his first goal from a free-kick © Getty Images
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Sunderland are no longer occupying bottom spot after they collected a 4-1 win at Fulham thanks to Adam Johnson's hat-trick.

The resurgent winger curled home a stunning free-kick to hand Sunderland the advantage. They then doubled their lead four minutes before the break after a well-worked set piece, with Ki Sung-Yeung's shot deflecting off Philippe Senderos and beyond David Stockdale in the Fulham goal.

Steve Sidwell halved the deficit six minutes into the second half, as he dragged his side back into the match after heading in Damien Duff's corner.

But Sunderland scored a third, with Johnson grabbing his second of the game by sliding his shot under Stockdale after Ki unlocked the struggling Fulham defence with a lovely pass. Johnson then sealed his hat-trick from the penalty spot after Senderos upended Jozy Altidore in the box.

Southampton's man-of-the-season Adam Lallana struck the only goal of the game as the Saints defeated West Brom 1-0. Lallana converted from close range in the second half from Gaston Ramirez's neat flick over Jonas Olsson in the West Brom defence.

West Ham eased some of the pressure off manager Sam Allardyce after they edged out Cardiff 2-0.

They were dealt an early blow when Guy Demel was stretchered off after colliding with his own team-mate Roger Johnson, with reports suggesting the right-back had a broken elbow and facial injuries as he was taken to hospital.

The Hammers then had something to cheer about before the break, with Carlton Cole converting Matt Jarvis' cross.

West Ham, who have conceded 11 goals in their last two outings, were then reduced to 10 men after James Tomkins was dismissed following a high boot into the face of Fraizer Campbell. However, they clinched the win after Mark Noble scored a second in injury-time.

Guy Demel collided with his own team-mate © PA Photos
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