Birmingham midfielder Sebastian Larsson gave his side a half-time lead in the Barclays Premier League clash with Sunderland at St Andrew's.

The Swedish international marked his 100th Premier League appearance by breaking the deadlock in the 40th minute after a mix-up between Simon Mignolet and Phil Bardsley.

Mignolet had earlier saved from Cameron Jerome while Blues defender Roger Johnson cleared a Stephane Sessegnon shot off the line.

Danny Welbeck had his first sight of goal after 26 minutes but Gardner made a fierce block as he prepared to shoot.

Bardsley needed treatment after being caught on the back of the leg by Jerome but was able to continue.

Bardsley tried his luck from 25 yards out and his dipping effort was only a couple of yards wide although Foster had it covered.

Blues captain Stephen Carr made a crucial interception in cutting out a cross from Welbeck intended for the unmarked Asamoah Gyan in the centre.

Sunderland were now in control territorially and forced a succession of corners.

But after 41 minutes Larsson took advantage of a defensive mix-up to give City the lead on his 100th Premier League appearance.

A long clearance from Foster was flicked on by Jerome and Larsson took advantage of a mix-up between Bardsley and Mignolet to score his third goal of the campaign.

Sunderland tried to retaliate and Foster did well to turn a curling drive from Gyan around the post.