Gus Poyet called for a miracle and might just have found one in the form of Connor Wickham who delivered a brace of headers that bookended a fine performance from Sunderland. 

The 21-year-old has now scored five goals in the last three games, goals that have dragged the Black Cats out of the relegation zone and placed their destiny in their own hands. 

Wickham has spent much of this season out on loan and was only recalled due to an injury to Steven Fletcher.

The man of the moment opened his account after 26 minutes, a looping header over David Marshall into the far top corner after Sebastian Larsson’s corner was allowed to bounce in the area.

Just before half-time, Wickham was at the centre of things again in the build-up to the second goal. 

He pounced on poor control by Juan Cala and burst into the area only for the Spaniard to pull him back. 

Referee Phil Dowd played advantage and when none was forthcoming, pointed to the spot and sent Cala off. 

Fabio Borini stepped up to net his second penalty in two games. 

The Italian turned provider in the 76th minute, carving open Cardiff’s defence with a delightful ball to his compatriot Emanuelle Giaccherini who slotted the ball past Marshall. 

With five minutes left Wickham capped a dominant performance with a simple header from Giaccherini’s corner. 

“We need to be calm,” said Sunderland boss Gus Poyet. “Let’s not think we’ve done everything — we’ve done nothing. 

“I said we needed a miracle, let’s see if I’m sitting here in two weeks time saying ‘miracles happen’.”