West Ham United has defeated Sunderland 2-1 on Monday, leaving them only four points from being relegated after their Premier League clash at the Stadium of Light.
While Sunderland have played fewer games than all of the other teams in the relegation battle, their next four matches are against sides in the top six and the gap between them and a position of safety has increased from three points to four since head coach Paolo Di Canio's exit in September 2013.
According to the BBC, Andy Carroll put the visitors ahead with an early header and provided the lay-off for Mohamed Diame to double the lead after the break.
But substitute Adam Johnson's arrival revived Sunderland and the winger curled home to give the hosts hope, although they failed to force a second, the report added.