Top 5: Premier League players of the week

1. Jermain Defoe (Sunderland)

Defoe has nine goals in all competitions this season

Amid reported interest from fellow strugglers Bournemouth, the former England international stood up when it mattered as he hit the back of the net twice as Sunderland won their must win fixture against Aston Villa 3-1.

The 33-year-old struck in the 72nd minute to put the Black Cats 2-1 ahead, collecting a lofted pass in the area before firing home at Brad Guzan’s near post.

Then, in injury time, Defoe fired home a squared pass from inside the area to settle the match and bring Sam Allardyce’s side to just four points adrift of safety.

If the Wearside outfit want to stay up, they must do all they can to quell interest in their top goalscorer.

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