Sunderland managed to gain their first point of the season this past weekend in a 1-1 draw against Southampton, with Jermain Defoe once again the source of the Black Cats goal. It was a case of history repeating itself with Defoe putting his side in the lead only for a defensive error to cost them and put Defoe's hard work to waste but the experienced strike was upbeat after the final whistle. 

Defending his teammates 

After putting Sunderland ahead with his latest goal for the club, a mistake from Jordan Pickford allowed the Saints to level the match after letting James Rodriguez's strike go underneath his body. But instead of being frustrated, Defoe had plenty of praise for the young goalkeeper insisting that he "Kept us in the game" due to his "Decisions."

Defoe was particularly happy with the way Pickford made his "Good saves," as he "Pushed it away" instead of saving it and putting it straight at the striker's feet for a tap in. Despite the goal he conceded, Defoe was adamant that Pickford would be "Okay" as he is a "Confident kid."

Not accepting a relegation battle

David Moyes confessed that he believes Sunderland will likely be in a relegation scrap once again this season but that isn't something that Defoe is happy to concede so early on, questioning whether Moyes was "Joking" or not.

Regardless, he admitted that he "Never" thinks like that and instead "Takes each match as it comes" and even though he knows it won't be "Easy" he still believes Sunderland can stay clear of the battle this season. 

Whether they end up in a relegation battle or not it is certain that Defoe's goals will be crucial but there is still time for Moyes to add to his squad and he didn't rule out more signings but instead said that it comes down to "What becomes available." 

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About the author
Matthew Wilkinson
Huddersfield University in Sports Journalism. Twitter- MC_Wilkinson1