The Black Cats striker has won back-to-back Man of the Match awards for David Moyes’ side.
Sunderland’s comprehensive 3-0 victory over Hull City on Saturday was The Black Cats second successive Premier League win.
Having sat rock bottom shortly before the international break with just two points from ten games and without a league win this term, it is the return of a forgotten man that has instilled belief of a miraculous Houdini-like escape from relegation once more.
Sunderland’s Victor Anichebe celebrates scoring their third goal with team mates
Victor Anichebe has long been cast aside onto the pile of Premier League outdated strikers, but the Nigerian’s return to form has given David Moyes hope that a drop down to The Championship is now not necessarily an eventuality this term.
The 28 year-old has spent the last three years at West Brom playing second fiddle first to Rickie Lambert and Saido Berahino and then Salomon Rondon.
That after a seven season spell at Everton, scoring just 18 goals in 131 appearances for the Toffees and current manager David Moyes.
The Scot has seen fleeting glimpses of Anichebe’s ability and after being criticized for gambling on his man, Anichebe could well be rewarding his under-fire manager’s faith.
Sunderland’s Victor Anichebe with manager David Moyes
In just two games for Sunderland, Victor Anichebe has won Man of the Match on both occasions, but his all-round contribution to the team stands out statistically, as does his tag-team relationship with strike partner Jermain Defoe.
As per WhoScored The striker has scored three goals in 180 minutes of football, yet Anichebe has had just under four opportunities to find the net.
Where Anichebe really comes into his own is in the physicality department. In the two games the NIgerian has played he has won more aerial duels than both centre-backs Lamine Koné and Papy Djilobodji, coming in at just under nine successful battles.
The striker is has also been the most fouled individual for Sunderland since being installed into Moyes’ starting XI, hinting at his physical and awkward nature that he has always retained.
Sunderland’s Victor Anichebe scores their third goal
After winning a maximum six points against Hull City and more impressively at The Vitality Stadium versus AFC Bournemouth, Sunderland are suddenly pushing to escape the bottom three.
The hard work has merely just begun however. With trips to Anfield and Old Trafford before the year is out – including the visit of table-toppers Chelsea – Sunderland may have further pressing times ahead.
For now Victor Anichebe has given fans cause for belief at The Stadium of Light.
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