LONDON: Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe cashed in on a horrendous defensive mix-up to score into an open net in the 80th minute and give his struggling side a much-needed 1-0 win at Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Monday.

The team with the worst away record in the top flight pinched all three points at Selhurst Park to ruin Palace’s best start to a Premier League season thanks to former England forward Defoe’s persistence.

Centre-back Scott Dann and goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey made a hash of clearing a hopeful ball forward, allowing Defoe to round the onrushing Hennessey and give Sunderland just their second league win of the season.

“He is a classy finisher,” Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce said of Defoe. “If you want someone to chase down what looks like a lost cause, it’s him. Defoe not giving up is why the goalkeeper and defender messed up.”

Palace offered little threat going forward as Alan Pardew’s team were unable to build on a 2-1 win at Liverpool, slipping to their fourth home loss in seven league games.

After a strong start to the season, Palace have slipped down into 10th place on 19 points. Sunderland are 18th with nine points from 13 games, ahead of Bournemouth on goal difference and four in front of bottom club Aston Villa.

Published in Dawn, November 25th, 2015