David Moyes calls on Sunderland attackers to improve as he targets a total of 10 Premier League wins

Jermain Defoe stretches to get a shot away in a crowded box in the 2-0 weekend defeat at Everton. Picture by Frank Reid

David Moyes is targeting 10 Premier League wins to secure Sunderland's safety, but has called on his front players to improve their service to Jermain Defoe.

Sunderland have won five league games this season and the Scot wants five more, though his side will have to make big improvements in front of goal.

The Black Cats put four goals past Crystal Palace three weeks ago, Adnan Januzaj providing superb service for Defoe and Didier Ndong scoring a terrific goal from distance.

Yet that is the only time they have scored in their last five Premier League games, with Everton keeper Joel Robles largely untested on Saturday despite Defoe hitting the underside of the bar.

Ndong, Seb Larsson and Fabio Borini all disappointed in the 2-0 defeat at Goodison Park and Moyes is looking for more.

He said: “This is what I’m talking about. We are lacking quality at times that I hope would give us a chance, or a goal.

“We know if we can get it to Jermain he will get a shot away or an opportunity.

“We are not getting him enough service, but it is because we are not getting enough good ball further up the pitch.

“We are scrapping to get that. I need those players, who we paid big money for a lot of them, to all to stand up and show what they can do.”

The defeat leaves Sunderland three points adrift of safety, but the Scot believes an improved spell could be just around the corner.

He said: “I’ve an idea that I’m going to have to win about 10 games to give myself any chance.