Sunderland beat Bournemouth 2-1 on Saturday afternoon.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe has claimed that their win over Bournemouth was for manager David Moyes.
The Black Cats travelled to the South Coast on Saturday afternoon looking to pick up their first win this season.
Things got off to a bad start for them as a goal from Dan Gosling put the home side ahead inside 12 minutes.
Sunderland’s Victor Anichebe celebrates scoring their first goal
Moyes’ team composed themselves, though, first equalising through Victor Anichebe and then taking the lead via Jermain Defoe’s penalty, with the veteran’s strike seeing them to all three points.
It was a much-needed win, easing the pressure on Moyes and Defoe says the win was for him and the fans.
“It is a massive win. Week by week I feel like we have improved, it is just a case of luck,” he told BBC Sport.
“The energy levels were brilliant, we showed great team spirit and character when it was hard. Credit to the boys.”
“Managers get sacrificed, they put the work in but they can only do so much. It is down to the players. David Moyes wasn’t on the bench but I can imagine he is delighted. This win is for the manager and fans, who are unbelievable.”
Sunderland’s Jermain Defoe celebrates scoring their second goal
Sunderland fans will now be hoping this result proves a turning point for their side, with another relegation battle looking likely.
The win took them to five points for the season, meaning they are now five points from safety.
They take on 18th placed Hull City after the international break and a win in that game could really see them kick on and try to escape from their current predicament.
Sunderland manager David Moyes
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