Manchester United and Stoke claimed vital victories in the Premier League yesterday.

The results affected the bottom and top of the Premier League table. Sunderland defeated Newcastle at St James Park in the early kick-off.

The visitors were in control of the game for much of the proceedings and took the lead on 27 minutes.

Winger James McClean found midfielder Stephane Sessegnon, who hit a low shot from 20 yards that beat Tim Krul in the Newcastle goal.

Sunderland keeper Simon Mignolet denied Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse twice, before a moment of controversy involving Cisse. The Senegal striker finally beat Mignolet, only for the referee’s assistant to flag him offside. Replays showed that the Senegal striker was onside when he scored the goal.

The visitors doubled their lead on 74 minutes though. Winger Adam Johnson cut in from the wing and fired in a curling effort from 25 yards. The visitors made it three with eight minutes remaining. Substitute David Vaughan struck a powerful effort that flew past Magpies back-up keeper Rob Elliot into the top corner.

The victory moved Sunderland three points clear of the relegation zone. The Magpies remain five points clear of the relegation zone.

Manchester United moved 15 points clear at the top of the Premier League with a 2-0 victory over Stoke at the Britannia Stadium. The Red Devils got off to a flying start, Robin Van Persie’s corner was touched on by Phil Jones and midfielder Michael Carrick was there to stab the ball past Asmir Begovic in the Stoke goal.

United doubled their lead on 66 minutes. Van Persie was brought down in the penalty area, referee Jon Moss pointed to the spot and the Dutchman made no mistake from the penalty spot.

The defeat leaves Tony Pulis’ Stoke perilously close to the relegation zone. The Potters are just three points clear of the danger zone.

Will Newcastle or Stoke be dragged into the Premier League drop zone?