Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce has revealed that he will look to change his tactics in order to get the best out of veteran striker Jermain Defoe.
Sunderland claimed a massive victory in their fight against relegation by seeing off rivals Aston Villa 3-1 at the Stadium of Light on Saturday and Defoe was the star man for the Black Cats with a match-winning brace.
Following the game, Allardyce has stated that Defoe is integral to Sunderland's relegation fight and revealed that he has to alter his tactics in order to suit the 33-year-old's style of play.
Allardyce said: "Why has everybody consistently said Jermain can't play up front on his own?
"I've listened to everybody else but, in the end, I've decided to have a go with Jermain as a lone striker and it's paid off. Adam Johnson's ball control and quality can provide the service for Jermain to get between the full-backs and the centre-halves.
"We can't just kick it up the middle anymore, that's a waste of time. Maybe everybody has to realise Jermain's there to provide for. That he's the end product, not part of the build-up or a hold-up player.
"So we're going to have to change our style, play through midfield, do better in wide positions and provide Jermain with cleverer balls. If we do that he'll win us games."
