Jermain Defoe has claimed that Sunderland's "team spirit" helped them escape relegation this season.

Wednesday's 3-0 victory over Everton moved the Black Cats onto 38 points and ensured that they could not be caught in the battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

Newcastle United and Norwich City will now join Aston Villa in the Championship, and Defoe has revealed that the whole team are "delighted" to have secured survival in their penultimate match.

"The fans drive the teams on to win games, it is an unbelievable feeling to stay up again and I am delighted. If you look at the great teams over the years it is all about team spirit and togetherness, the main thing has been the team spirit," Defoe told Sky Sports News.

"Tonight it was a case of being relaxed and not getting caught up in the occasion. The first goal settled us down. [Sam Allardyce] has been there and done it, he is a top manager and away from the pitch he is a great man, we are all delighted."

Defoe has hit 15 Premier League goals for Sunderland this season.