Sunderland striker Victor Anichebe has admitted it's harder to maintain his good form with Premier League defenders now paying him more attention.
The 28-year-old had a brief run of goalscoring form, grabbing three strikes in two games to helped revive Sunderland's season, but has now been without a goal in the league since scoring twice against Hull City in November.
Speaking toSky Sports, Anichebe admitted his task in David Moyes' team has become more difficult with more teams wise to his attributes.
"I was saying to some of my friends and to other people, it's becoming a lot more difficult," said Anichebe.
"When I first came into the side after doing a pre-season, teams didn't really expect (it).
"But now teams are trying to stop our left-hand side of attack. Teams are really ready for us, they are a lot more aggressive with me, they are a lot more aggressive on our side.
"But I'm used to it. I just have to be ready. Every game now, it's really tough. Sometimes they are doubling up on me, they've got a guy in front, a guy behind, but that's just part and parcel of the game.''
Anichebe nonetheless played an important role in Sunderland's 1-0 win over Watford on his return to the side after missing the defeat against Chelsea, and the Nigeria international praised his side's defenders for earning them the win.
"I always say to the two centre-backs we have, whenever they play well, whenever they are beasts, it really drives us on, it really drives the fans on," Anichebe added.
"Whenever they are like that, it makes it a lot easier for all of us because if we can see them being the beasts that they are, the rest of us respond to that, so as long as they can push us, we all respond together as a team.
"Hopefully this again can be a springboard. We have got a little bit of a break now, but hopefully for the next game, we are going to be ready again."