JER WHAT WE NEED!
Defoe deal could seal promotion
LEE JOHNSON insisted Sunderland DO want to sign Jermain Defoe – as they grabbed their first win of the year.
Elliot Embleton sealed victory to steady a wobble in results and keep the pressure on for automatic promotion.
The Black Cats have a solid look, and fought hard to keep a clean sheet in a low-quality game lit up by new defender Danny Batth.
The remarkable crowd of 32,220 fans at the Stadium of Light are sensing a Wearside revival this season, their fourth in League One.
Sunderland are in the market for reinforcements and having earlier this week appeared to reject the chance to sign former striker Defoe (inset), boss Johnson said: “We are working hard to bring Jermain in. We have had good conversations.”
Defoe is available on a free after leaving Rangers and
Johnson (above, right) added: “It has to be right. Don’t confuse being thorough with no interest.
“I have respect for him, and what he can bring. Short term or long term it is about bringing in someone of that ilk.”
Embleton hit the only goal after some tenacious hassling of the
Pompey defenders by Leon Dajaku.
He bustled Hayden Carter into making a mistake and Ross Stewart burst forward with the loose ball and slipped Embleton into the left channel for him to slot home his fourth goal of the season.
The 22-year-old local lad had earlier served notice of his threat when he intercepted a Ronan Curtis pass but keeper Gavin Bazunu saved well.
The home defence had a solid look to it with Batth, a new signing from Stoke, having an excellent debut. He made 11 successful headers, five clearances, three interceptions and a tackle contributing to Sunderland’s first win for four games. Johnson said: “It was very hard-earned. We were extremely solid.
“It wasn’t a classic, but the most important thing was three points. We pressed better, hustled, caught them on the ball and earned a goal at a good time.
“We have to win all types of games.
“Danny gave us that dominant first-ball winner in defence. He was brilliant.
“He has physicality and is dominant.”
Portsmouth are without a win in four league games and boss Danny Cowley admitted: “We didn’t take our chances. We played too direct.
“We are a nearly team at the moment. We will get criticised because we have not scored again.”