The Sunderland boss admits he signed Anichebe for other reasons than his goal-scoring ability after he found the net for Sunderland at the weekend.
Sunderland manager David Moyes has admitted he did not sign Victor Anichebe for his goal-scoring record, the Sunderland Echo reports.
Anichebe scored his first goal for the Black Cats as they recorded their first win of the season with a 2-1 victory over Bournemouth at Dean Court, but the manager said he recruited the forward on a free transfer for attributes other than ability in front of goal.
Moyes is quoted in the Sunderland Echo, saying: “His goal-scoring record wasn’t what I was bringing him for, because I had Jermain (Defoe).
“I felt that if I had someone as a presence alongside him that would help and to give us an alternative, someone we can bring off the bench, someone who can do a job.
“There weren’t many takers for him in the summer, but I have always had faith in Victor.”
Prior to Anichebe’s arrival on Wearside, his scoring record in the Premier League was 24 goals from 186 appearances, but given the role he plays in the side one has to expect him to chip in with his fair share of goals this season.
He seemed to demonstrate a mature performance on Saturday in holding the ball up, and when the side hit the front in the latter stages he was killing time well by holding on to possession.
There were even little signs that he and Defoe were forming an effective ‘big man, little man’ striker partnership. Although Anichebe was playing off the left a lot of the time, there is the option for the side to go with two players up front.
Despite goals not being the main thinking behind bringing Anichebe to the club, Moyes surely must look at him to contribute. For all the goal-scoring pedigree that Defoe has, he needs others to chip in with their share. if Sunderland are to climb the table.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
