Jermain Defoe was beaming with delight after taking his outstanding Premier League tally to 150.
The 34-year-old was at his scintillating best as Sunderland dispatched Hull City at the Stadium of Light, with the showpiece moment coming in the opening 45 minutes when the striker eased past two defenders before rifling the ball home.
A milestone which saw him equal Michael Owen’s top-flight total, Defoe then turned provider as Victor Anichebe’s double secured three points as a red and white partnership continued to blossom.
Speaking post-match, an emotional Defoe admitted scoring the goal at the Stadium of Light was meant to be.
“It feels amazing,” said the striker. “The manager said some nice things about me in his pre-match press conference about me reaching 150, but to get it at home in front of these fans is special.
“I wanted to do it at the Stadium of Light so to do it here in a big game that we’ve won, and earn back-to-back wins, was meant to be, and I believe it was meant to happen like this so I’m delighted.
“It was a massive game for us and one we had to win so to put in a performance like that and get three points is brilliant, continued Defoe.
“When you get back-to-back wins, which is never easy at any stage of the season, and have good performances its important.
“There is so much more this team is going to bring between now and the end of the season.”
