Palace defender Scott Dann misplayed a long through ball, allowing Defoe to round onrushing goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey and give Sunderland just its second league win of the season.Palace offered little threat going forward as Alan Pardew's team was unable to build on a 2-1 win at Liverpool, slipping to its fourth home loss in seven league games.
After a strong start to the season, Palace has slipped down into 10th place on 19 points. Sunderland is 18th, with nine points from 13 games.
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