Richard Mennear's analysis: Jordan Pickford and Victor Anichebe inspire Sunderland to first league win

The huge sigh of relief could be heard all the way from Wearside after Sunderland finally picked up their first win of the Premier League campaign.

It has been a long time coming. Ten games Sunderland had gone without tasting the sweet taste of success.

Finally, thanks to a determined, resilient, gritty performance on the south coast against Eddie Howe's Bournemouth, Sunderland are up and running.

The gap to safety down to five points and just in time for the international break too. The pressure would have been almost unbearable had they lost again.

As it is, hope has been restored. Sunderland remain deep in relegation danger, make no bones about that.

But the side showed they have what it takes to grind out a result against the odds. And playing two up front made a world of difference.

Credit must go to David Moyes for making that bold decision. Victor Anichebe, on his first Premier League start for the club, was immense.

He was aggressive, worked tirelessly up front and scored an excellent goal from close range. Strength and power and a good finish.

The former Everton and West Brom striker got the assist for Jermain Defoe's winning penalty too.

And all that with a rib injury picked up in the first half. Anichebe was a man mountain at times and if Sunderland can keep him fit, they will have a chance.

At the other end, Jordan Pickford was superb - keeping Sunderland in the game with a string of stunning saves.

Bournemouth had a couple of chances to extend their lead but Pickford stood in their way. His saves then, and when Sunderland went in front, proved crucial.

This was a team effort, with no weak links, but those two stood out.

Relief all round then at the Vitality Stadium.

It is only a start but with fellow strugglers Hull City next at home, Sunderland have a real chance to build some momentum - once they have enjoyed this victory.