First-half goals from Amad and Dan Neil gave Tony Mowbray’s side a commanding two-goal lead at the interval, before the Clarets’ second-half comeback.
Nathan Tella’s header halved the deficit, before goals from substitute Manuel Benson and winger Anass Zaroury saw Vincent Kompany’s side take the lead.
Josh Brownhill then added a fourth with three minutes remaining.
Our Sunderland writer Phil Smith has dished out his player ratings from the Stadium of Light:
13. Edouard Michut (sub) - 6
Got on the ball towards the end but by that time the game was already gone. Can see his ability but wasn’t able to impose it here. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
14. Abdoullah Ba (sub) - 5
One or two nice passes but ultimately unable to make much of an impact. 5 Photo: Frank Reid
4 / 4