Defoe insists unity is key for Black Cats

Unity will be the key factor if Sunderland are to turn their season around and attain Premier League survival according to veteran striker Jermain Defoe.

David Moyes’ side lost 2-0 to Everton on Sunday as Ronald Koeman’s men made it nine Premier League games unbeaten through goals from Idrissa Gueye and Romelu Lukaku.

But it was from a Defoe shot that ricocheted off the crossbar that Lukaku streaked away for Everton’s crucial second goal.

And Defoe underlined this as an example of the fine margins that can make a huge difference in the race for survival, with squad unity a potential swaying factor.

(Photo by Chris Brunskill Ltd/Getty Images)

“The chance to level happened so quickly and when it bounced down off the crossbar I thought it had bounced in, but it wasn’t meant to be,” Defoe said.

“When the ball hits the woodwork you need a bit of luck – it can go in or drop to one of our players – but it bounced a little too high for Fabio and from the corner they break and score.
“They had that luck because Bryan (Oviedo) did so well to match Lukaku’s strength and get a nick on it, but it’s ricocheted off him and gone in. You need that little bit of luck and we didn’t get it.

“We wanted to try and get something out of the game and we’re disappointed with both of the goals we conceded, but it’s important we move on and stick together like I always say.”