Burnley manager Scott Parker launched a scathing attack on his players after their woeful 3-0 defeat at Sunderland on Monday night pushed them closer to relegation from the Premier League.

The Clarets produced a lifeless display at the Stadium of Light and were outplayed from start to finish by Regis Le Bris’ side, who continue their impressive return to the top flight.

Burnley fell behind early when defender Axel Tuanzebe turned the ball into his own net following a low drive from Habib Diarra in the ninth minute. The Senegal midfielder doubled Sunderland’s advantage before half-time, scoring his first league goal since joining from Strasbourg last year.

Sunderland maintained their dominance after the break and sealed the win in the 72nd minute through Chemsdine Talbi, who cut inside from the left and curled a stunning strike into the top corner.

The victory lifted the Black Cats to eighth place in the table and extended their unbeaten home run since promotion from the Championship last season.

In contrast, Burnley’s situation continues to worsen. They remain second from bottom, 11 points adrift of safety, and have now gone 15 matches without a win. With a crucial clash against fellow strugglers West Ham looming on Saturday, Parker admitted his side are running out of time.

“We were nowhere near it,” Parker said. “We were never in this game in any aspect. We looked like a childish team with no intent.

“I didn’t see a team with purpose or a team that came here to make a mark. I know we’re in a difficult moment, but in this division, more than ever, we need to reboot.

“We sit where we sit for a reason. We have to come back stronger and keep improving.”

Defender Kyle Walker echoed his manager’s frustrations, describing the performance as unacceptable.

“Terrible,” Walker said. “We came here to get something and got nothing. As a club fighting for survival, that’s not good enough.

“It’s about who wants it more, and they wanted it more than us.”

Burnley’s lack of threat was evident throughout the match, as they failed to register a single shot on target despite being beaten for the 15th time in 24 league games.

Sunderland, meanwhile, continue to exceed expectations under Le Bris. Asked about the possibility of challenging for European qualification, the Frenchman remained cautious.

“Our target is still the same,” he said. “We want to reach around 40 points first. We are newly promoted and the league is very tough. Let’s get there and see what more we can achieve.”

The hosts set the tone early when Diarra combined neatly with Brian Brobbey before driving into the area, his shot deflecting off Tuanzebe and past goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.

Their pressure told again in the 32nd minute as Enzo Le Fée and Nordi Mukiele combined to create another opening for Diarra, who reacted quickest after his initial effort was blocked to score from close range.

Talbi’s spectacular late strike crowned a dominant performance and underlined Sunderland’s growing confidence as they continue their climb up the Premier League table.