Anichebe enjoying more physical battles leading the Sunderland line

Sunderland striker Victor Anichebe admits he is not being allowed to get away with his physical approach to forward play as much in the Premier League.

David Moyes piled the praise on the 28-year-old hitman after Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Watford, with the Black Cats boss believing Anichebe turned the game in his side’s favour before Patrick Van Aanholt’s winner.

Anichebe, who has scored three league goals this term after signing at the Stadium of Light in preseason, concedes he is not being allowed to dominate opposition centre-backs as much as he was in the autumn months.

But the former West Brom and Everton man is relishing the thought of doing battle with the men trying to beat him at his own game.

“I was saying to some of my friends and to other people, it’s becoming a lot more difficult,” he said. “When I first came into the side after doing pre-season, teams didn’t really expect (it).

“But now teams are trying to stop our left-hand side of attack. Teams are really ready for us, they are a lot more aggressive with me, they are a lot more aggressive on our side.

“But I’m used to it. I just have to be ready. Every game now, it’s really tough. Sometimes they are doubling up on me, they’ve got a guy in front, a guy behind, but that’s just part and parcel of the game.

“I suppose it’s a compliment as well, but I’m ready for it. Whenever there’s a battle, I’ll be ready for it.”