JERMAIN DEFOE says beating Aston Villa 3-1 today Sunderland’s biggest result “of the season”.
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| Jermain Defoe scored twice for Sunderland against Aston Villa |
Former England striker Defoe scored twice in the last 18 minutes to lead Sunderland to victory.
Patrick van Aanholt had given the Black Cats a 30-minute lead before Carles Gil’s excellent volley offered hope to rock bottom Villa.
But Defoe came to the hosts’ recuse and explained just how much the win means for the team as they battle against relegation.
“It’s massive to be honest,” Defoe told BBC Sport. “This was the biggest game of the season.
“We knew it would be difficult as Villa are scrapping for their lives and need the points too.
"The manager said we needed to show controlled aggression - we did that. We deserved the three points.
“I thought we were the better side throughout. It’s a massive three points."
Sunderland remain 19th but the victory pushes them to within four points of 17th-place Swansea, who lost to Manchester United this afternoon.
Villa, meanwhile, remain winless in the league since the opening day of the season and remain 11 points off safety.
Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce added: "Thank God for Jermain Defoe and his finishing qualities.
“He turned the game back in our favour. He could have had a hat-trick but for an offside.
“Hopefully it will give us confidence going forward. We’re still very much in trouble but this win was critical.
"Goalscorers turn games. Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez at Leicester are into double figures and the rest of the team barely score a goal.
“Watford’s front two score all their goals. We need to pair off a couple like that to get double figures and keep tight at the back."
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