Defoe’s goal drought adds to problems

JERMAIN Defoe’s Premier League goal drought now stands at 495 minutes.

And, in a season when Sunderland’s dependency on Defoe in front of goal has been near-total, it will surprise no one that the Black Cats’ barren spell coincides exactly with that of their 14-goal top scorer.

Yesterday’s 1-0 defeat at Watford was the fifth successive game that the Wearsiders have failed to trouble the scorers – their worst record in the top flight since 1982.

Add in the goalless second half at Crystal Palace at the beginning of February, and eight-and-aquarter hours since Defoe scored Sunderland’s fourth goal in firsthalf injury time at Selhurst Park at the beginning of February.

It is Sunderland’s reliance on Defoe that has left the Black Cats on the brink of relegation.

Because when the goals dry up for England’s renaissance man, Sunderland are toothless.

Victor Anichebe has chipped in with three goals but he has been out of action since the turn of the year and the rest of Sunderland’s forward line are not worth a light.

Fabio Borini scored one ‘worldy’ goal at Manchester United on Boxing Day, but aside from that, all he has to show for his pitiful season is a catalogue of fluffed chances.

On-loan Manchester United man Adnan Januzaj also has one goal. In the EFL Cup. In August. Against League One Shrewsbury. And the midfield? Forget it. Didier Ndong has scored one goal. Paddy McNair has scored two in the cup, and is out for the rest of the season in any case.

Centre-back Lamine Kone has one to his name, and left-back Patrick van Aanholt contributed three before departing in January.

Defoe completed the game against Watford despite picking up a knock, and Sunderland can only pray that it is no more than a bump because if he is sidelined at any stage during the run-in, the Black Cats have had it.

Even if he does play, the chances have to fall his way.

Sunderland created plenty against Burnley a fortnight ago, but a couple fell to Borini, one to Januzaj, one to Billy Jones, and one to Seb Larsson – and none were taken.

At Watford, Defoe did not manage a single shot and his total of 18 touches was the lowest of any player on either side.

With stats like these, it is no wonder that Sunderland are being sucked into the Championship.