on 13 august 2016, the opening day of the 2016–17 premier league, defoe scored in a 2–1 loss at manchester city, meaning he has now scored in 16 premier league seasons. on 5 november 2016, defoe scored the winning goal from the penalty spot as 10-man sunderland came from behind to win at bournemouth, their first league win of the season. on 19 november 2016, defoe scored his 150th premier league goal in a 3–0 home win against hull city, becoming the joint seventh highest goal scorer in premier league history. on 2 january 2017, defoe scored twice from the penalty spot as sunderland came from behind to draw at home to liverpool.