Revitalised Sunderland, Alan Shearer gives his views

The Newcastle United legend-turned TV pundit has been scathing about the Black Cats struggles this season.

But there is now praise from the Match of the Day expert, who hailed the contribution of two-goal hero Victor Anichebe in the vital 3-0 win over Hull City, a result which took the Wearsiders off the bottom of the table.

Anichebe's second-half double sent the Stadium of Light faithful into a frenzy after Jermain Defoe had put the red and whites in front on 34 minutes with his 150th Premier League goal.

Shearer, who knows a thing or two about finding the net, praised the goal scorers and the impressive Duncan Watmore for turning around the Black Cats fortunes in the back-to-back wins over Bournemouth and Hull.

"It's down to the front three, a bit of pace, a bit of strength, and someone who can put the ball in the back of the net," Shearer said on Match of the Day.

"That was the difference in the last game [the 2-1 win at Bournemouth] and it was the difference here.

"[The first goal] was terrible defending from Hull, but a good flick on from Watmore brilliant play from Defoe.

"Sunderland had a bit of everything, the three guys [Defoe, Anichebe and Watmore] caused Hull problems.

"[The second goal] was poor defending and terrible goalkeeping but if you don't shoot you don't score.

"[The third goal], what a finish! The keeper had no chance.

"That has been the difference for Sunderland."