Jermain Defoe scored two vitally important goals for Sunderland in their crucial clash against bottom-placed Aston Villa at the Stadium of Light.
The match was billed as a must-win game for both sides who were sitting 19th and 20th respectively, while being separated by only five points.
Patrick van Aanholt gave the home side the lead on 30 minutes as his shot took a deflection off Micah Richards, but just after the hour mark Carlos Gill produced a stunning volley to equalise for the Villans.
With scores level, it was time for someone to step up and become a hero. Luckily for the Black Cats, that man was Jermaine Defoe.
After controlling a flighted ball with a deft first touch, the 33-year-old then took it onto his left-foot and struck and powerful shot to beat Brad Guzan at the near post and give Sunderland the lead.
Defoe then sealed the contest in stoppage-time as he received the ball from Ola Toivonen and beautifully finished to secure a vital three points for the Black Cats.
7 – Jermain Defoe has scored seven Premier League goals against Aston Villa, only against Wigan (10) has he scored more. Crucial.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 2, 2016
The Englishman now has six Premier League goals this season, but Sam Allardyce will be hoping there is more to come from the veteran striker in 2016 in the Black Cat’s quest for Premier League survival.
Points are worth gold for those in the relegation zone and Defoe helped Sunderland clinch all three. For that he is Outisde 90’s Premier League Hero of Matchday 20.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
