Sunderland maintained their fine start to the Premier League season as they condemned Wolves to a sixth defeat from eight matches.

Nordi Mukiele's first-half goal from a clever interchange with Trai Hume set Regis Le Bris' side on their way and Ladislav Krejci's late own goal ensured all three points and a third victory at the Stadium of Light for the Black Cats this term.

The result lifts Sunderland, who have now earned 10 points from their first four home games of a top-flight campaign for the first time since 1968-69 (adjusting for three points for a win), up to seventh, while winless Wolves remain rooted to the foot of the table.

Wilson Isidor fired an early warning for the hosts, lashing a left-foot effort into the top-left corner for the hosts only to discover that he had slightly mistimed his run on goal and been flagged offside.

However, Sunderland were dominant and did not have long to wait for an opener with France defender Mukiele playing a neat one two and directing a shot through the legs of visiting goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.

The hosts threatened to extend their lead when Hume headed against the post after Mukiele's long throw had been flicked on by Dan Ballard.

While Wolves were better after the break and laid siege to the home penalty area for a lengthy spell they rarely exhibited the guile required to break down a resolute home defence.

And Jackson Tchatchoua's wayward prodded finish wide late on and then Krejci's miscued clearance characterised a disappointing afternoon for the West Midlands club.

While there is a long way to go in the season, Sunderland have already dispelled any suggestion that they would struggle to make an impression after eight years outside the top flight.

Their start is all the more remarkable given that half of that time was spent in the third tier of English football.

But a summer recruitment drive that delivered 14 new faces is reaping dividends.

Mukiele, who arrived from Paris St-Germain, impressed again and looks a shrewd investment in a deal worth around £12m, while DR Congo international Noah Sadiki provided plenty of industry.

And no home player covered more ground than captain Granit Xhaka, who offered an anchoring presence to Sunderland's midfield, particularly in the first period.

Wolves were unfortunate not to take maximum points in their two previous matches against Tottenham and Brighton after conceding late equalisers.

Yet there are few positives they can extract from this trip to the North East.

Vitor Pereira's side were second best for long periods, remain the only winless team in the English top flight and now appear in danger of being cut adrift at the bottom of the table.

Despite the season being only eight games old, they are already five points from safety and have the worst goal difference in the division.

And their travelling supporters may have expected more against opponents who were still in League One in 2022.

Jorgen Strand Larsen is yet to score a Premier League goal since Wolves rejected bids of £50m and £55m for him from Newcastle in the summer.

The Norway international's 24 touches also represented the lowest number by any visiting player to feature for the full game and was emblematic of an attacking display that lacked inspiration.

While Wolves repeatedly lofted the ball into the Sunderland area, sending in 31 crosses in total, the home side were always well set and had enough bodies to repel any possible threat.

Wolves have now failed to score in four of their eight games with only managerless Nottingham Forest (five) faring worse this term.

Sunderland travel to face Chelsea in their next Premier League fixture on Saturday, 25 October (15:00 BST), while Wolves host Burnley on Sunday, 26 October (14:00 GMT).