EPL 2016/17: Sunderland 0-2 Manchester City, 5 Talking Points

Modified Mar 06, 2017 03:14 GMT

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - MARCH 05: Leroy Sane of Manchester City (R) celebrates scoring his sides second goal with John Stones of Manchester City (L) during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Manchester City at Stadium of Light on March 5, 2017 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) — Manchester City are now just a point behind second-placed Tottenham Hotspur

#4 Sunderland's survival rests on Jermain Defoe's shoulders

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 25: Bradley Lowery (L) is carried out by Jermain Defoe of Sunderland (R) prior to the Premier League match between Everton and Sunderland at Goodison Park on February 25, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) — Jermain Defoe has 14 league goals to his name this season

The veteran striker was the crucial player in Sunderland's previous season's great escape and is the most important player for the club in this season as well. Though he has been in the goals, his side have been poor this season.

David Moyes recently said that his team needs five victories to guarantee Premier League status for next season and that can be achieved only if the English striker keeps scoring.

Out of Sunderland's 24 league goals, Defoe has scored a massive 14 goals with the striker coming inches closer to add to his tally when his shot hit the post in the first half against Manchester City. He hadn't touched the ball in the first 16 minutes of the game but sprung into action as soon as a half chance arrived for him.

Edited by Staff Editor