Sunderland 6-3 Exeter City

Image source, PA

Image caption, Defoe has scored five goals in four games so far this season

Jermain Defoe's hat-trick helped Premier League Sunderland avoid an upset to League Two Exeter City in the second round of the League Cup.

Jack Rodwell drove in a shot and Defoe chipped in for the Black Cats before Emmanuel Oyeleke and David Wheeler pulled the visitors level.

Defoe restored Sunderland's lead only for Tom McCready to again bring Exeter level by half-time.

Goals from Rodwell, Duncan Watmore and Defoe then secured Sunderland's win.

The top-flight side have now conceded 11 goals in their opening four games of the season.

They again looked defensively vulnerable, despite fielding a strong line-up with only two changes from the first-choice team that drew 1-1 with Swansea on Saturday.

The Black Cats will play Manchester City at home in the next round.