Adrian Sherling reporting

Junichi Inamoto's terrific start in a Fulham shirt continued as he inspired Fulham to a comprehensive victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

The Japanese star, released by Arsenal over the summer despite being one of the stars of the World Cup, grabbed his sixth goal of the season with an exquisite finish in the first half, then set up the two other goals in another outstanding display.

Rufus Brevett's 34th-minute cross was flicked by Hayles into Inamoto's path six yards out and the midfielder controlled the ball with his thigh before arrowing a volley into the far post.

Before that goal, Sunderland had been the better team, with new signings Matt Piper and Marcus Stewart coming close to giving the home side the lead. Piper's powerful header on the half-hour forced Edwin van de Sar into a fine punching save, while the Dutch keeper did just enough to slow Stewart's one-on-one effort to allow Brevett to clear.

But once they went behind, the Black Cats' heads seemed to drop after that and Fulham started to boss the game.

Inamoto was at the centre of most of the good things for the visitors and his two beautifully-weighted throughballs gave his side their two second-half goals.

His first slide-rule pass found Hayles charging towards goal and the big striker showed his strength, holding off Stephen Wright, before squeezing his shot between goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen and the near post.

The second ball was almost identical, with Frenchman Marlet this time charging through on goal and sliding the ball home.

Sunderland would probably have been booed off the pitch at the end of the game, had enough of the Stadium of Light crowd stayed until the end.

Any respite Peter Reid's side earned with a draw against Manchester United has been quickly eroded away with a midweek derby defeat against Middlesbrough and this toothless home loss.

Meanwhile, many pundits believed Fulham to be in turmoil going into this season, have hit the ground running having started the season early for the Intertoto Cup. This win lifts Jean Tigana's men to fifth, despite having played a game less than most teams.

The Cottagers appear to have finally found the cutting edge that was so lacking last season - and it's all inspired by a player plucked from the Highbury reserves.

MAN-OF-THE-MATCH: Junichi Inamoto (Fulham)
Who else could it be? Another outstanding performance for his new side, scoring one and creating two.

Sunderland: Sorensen, Gray, Wright, Bjorklund, Babb, Butler (Quinn 56), McAteer (McCann 56), Reyna, Piper, Stewart, Flo.
Subs Not Used: Bellion, Macho, Williams.
Booked: Gray, Wright.

Fulham: Van der Sar, Brevett, Ouaddou, Goma, Knight, Goldbaek, Inamoto (Collins 85), Davis, Legwinski, Marlet, Hayles (Sava 76).
Subs Not Used: Taylor, Melville, Stolcers.
Booked: Brevett, Hayles.

Att: 35,432
Ref: C Foy (Merseyside).