Jermain Defoe scored a match-winning hat-trick last night to lift Sunderland further away from the drop and above arch rivals Newcastle United.
Sunderland will be able to breathe a massive sigh of relief after a 4-2 win away to fellow relegation candidates Swansea City.
Looking Ahead
However, the Black Cats won’t be able to revel in last night’s joy for too long as they travel to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. Defoe has described the return to his former club as “special”, calling the game “huge”.
The veteran striker, who has five goals in his last two Premier League games, admitted he is “looking forward to the game” and stated that his side will go into the game with confidence.
However, following last night’s victory, Defoe has his sights set on not being “down there [in the relegation battle]," but instead "in a comfortable position”.
The 33-year-old has admitted that his side “must raise their game” for the Spurs clash, before acknowledging the pressure they are under, as “the rewards are big to stay in the Premier League”.
Praise for Allardyce
The front-man praised boss Sam Allardyce too following last night's win, saying that he helps them to “just keep fighting."
“The manager has always been calm," Defoe said, adding that, "he gives [Sunderland] the basis to go and win games.”
With a brace against strugglers Aston Villa and a hat-trick last night, Defoe has showed just how indispensable he is to the club and it’s unlikely that Allardyce will allow him to leave either.
The striker has recently been linked with a move away from Sunderland, with Swansea and Bournemouth reportedly interested, but it seems that he has have settled any qualms Allardyce had about him not being able to play up-front on his own, with the manager saying he is not for sale.
