Jermaine Defoe hat-trick helps leaky Sunderland win nine-goal thriller

Jermain Defoe’s hat-trick spared Sunderland’s blushes as they defeated Exeter 6-3 in a thrilling Capital One Cup clash last night.

The Black Cats fielded a strong line-up but conceded three times in the first half as their defence was frequently exposed again, before they ultimately rallied to break the visitors’ spirit in the second period.

The hosts were 2-0 up through Jack Rodwell and Defoe before Emmanuel Oyeleke and David Wheeler brought the Grecians back into the match.