Jermain Defoe struck a hat-trick as Sunderland won a thrilling Premier League relegation battle.

Judging by the irritatingly incessant whining of the WOB (Wenger Out Brigade), despite the fact that we’re currently looking down on every other club in the country, there are far too many Gooners who simply can’t comprehend that the vast majority of fans spend their entire lifetimes waiting, mostly in vain, for their teams to win something.

Guus Hiddink has edged towards a second stint as interim manager at Chelsea after holding talks with Stamford Bridge bosses.

Carrow Road might well be one of the most congenial away days of the season, but it felt as if the Gunners travelled to East Anglia expecting the Canaries to gift-wrap all three points as an early Xmas pressie.

Jermain Defoe picked Scott Dann’s pocket for a poacher’s finish to seal Sunderland’s 1-0 Premier League victory at Crystal Palace.

Everton 6 Sunderland 2<br>It felt entirely appropriate a team nicknamed the Black Cats crossed Arouna Kone’s path on the day he produced his best performance in an Everton shirt.

Chelsea are bidding to solve their defensive troubles with Senegal defender Papy Djilobodji as a switch from Nantes nears completion.

Dick Advocaat has revealed he wants up to four more summer signings as he attempts to rebuild his Sunderland team.

Dick Advocaat changed his mind over returning to Sunderland after owner Ellis Short refused to leave him alone.

Jose Mourinho maintains Chelsea were the victims of bad decisions despite winning the Premier League title at a canter this season. The Blues boss felt decisions in matches, resulting in dropped points and player suspensions, were costing his side. 

Sunderland striker Danny Graham’s first goal for the club may have been a fluke but its significance could not be under-estimated as the Black Cats took another step towards Premier League survival.

The sight of Paolo di Canio sliding across the St James’ Park turf on his knees in celebration is one which will always haunt John Carver.

Here, we look at five high-profile mistakes by Premier League referees.

Sunderland 0 QPR 2

“You saw his quality today – his leadership and his power. He is a fantastic young man."

All the team news from around the grounds ahead of Week 21 in the Premier League.

Sunderland 1 Hull 3 Sunderland were tormented by the ghost of Christmas Past as Steve Bruce returned once again to haunt them.

Manager Brendan Rodgers believes the next month will be pivotal to Liverpool’s season.

Scotland striker Steven Fletcher is relishing the opportunity of taking on club-mate John O’Shea for real as the pair prepare to go head-to-head with precious Euro 2016 qualifying points at stake.

Jordan Henderson secured Liverpool’s first Premier League win in four matches after West Brom threatened to frustrate Brendan Rodgers’ men at Anfield.

Frank Lampard is set to sign a short-term deal with Manchester City.

Cardiff and Fulham were both relegated from the Barclays Premier League after Sunderland continued their remarkable resurgence with a shock 1-0 win at Manchester United.

Chelsea midfielder Ramires will miss the Blues’ title run-in after accepting a four-match ban for violent conduct.

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has backed his West Brom counterpart Pepe Mel to be a success in English football.

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has backed his West Brom counterpart Pepe Mel to be a success in English football.

Blunders from veteran goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer and full-back Cesar Azpilicueta allowed Sunderland to inflict Jose Mourinho’s first home league defeat as Chelsea manager and hand Liverpool control in the Barclays Premier League title race.

Sunderland boss Gus Poyet admitted his compatriot Luis Suarez would be delighted after the Black Cats’ 2-2 draw at Manchester City handed Liverpool a huge boost in their title charge.

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini is convinced his side are still firmly in the Premier League title race.

Sunderland 1 West Ham 2

Liverpool 2 Sunderland 1

Liverpool 2 Sunderland 1

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insists his high-flying side have the mental fortitude to stay in the title race as they do not underestimate any opponent.

Struggling Sunderland have recalled striker Connor Wickham from his loan spell at Leeds as head coach Gus Poyet searches desperately for firepower.

Norwich 2 Sunderland 0

Manchester City replaced Arsenal at the top of the Barclays Premier League table after emphatically ending Tottenham’s unbeaten league run under Tim Sherwood with a 5-1 win at White Hart Lane.

Sunderland head coach Gus Poyet has hit out at Stoke over their courtship of Lee Cattermole and Steven Fletcher on the eve of the Premier League clash between the clubs.

Everton 0 Sunderland 1

Aston Villa 0 Sunderland 0

Hull 1 Sunderland 0

Gus Poyet will today become the new manager of troubled Sunderland.

Paolo Di Canio has vowed to learn from his experience at Sunderland and return to English football as a better manager.

Sunderland skipper John O’Shea has urged the club to move on from the Paolo Di Canio debacle after confirming the players had a role in the Italian’s departure.