Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe has praised his teammates for 'playing their parts' as the Black Cats claimed a 2-1 scalp of champions Leicester City on Saturday afternoon.

An own-goal from Robert Huth and an assured strike from Defoe handed David Moyes's side their third win in four Premier League games, moving them to within one point of safety.

"Leicester are a great side, the champions, but our energy levels once again were good, setting the standard from the first minute," Defoe, who now has eight goals this season, told BBC Sport. "From the goalkeeper all the way through the side, everyone played their parts and did well, and it's three points.

"You're now seeing what our new lads and our manager can do. We're improving so much and it's exactly what the manager wants.

"We could have scored more, but at 2-1 we'll take that win against a good side."

Next up for Sunderland is a trip to rock-bottom Swansea City next weekend.