'Possible future legend' - Sunderland fans rave about Luke O'Nien after Walsall win

Sunderland kept their League One automatic promotion hopes well and truly alive with a tight-fought win over Walsall.

At The Stadium of Light, Sunderland fell behind against relegation-threatened Walsall, who took a fourth-minute lead through Josh Gordon.

But Lee Cattermole and Will Grigg turned things around for Jack Ross’ side to ensure they remain within two points of second-place Barnsley with a game in hand.

After the game, Luke O’Nien was voted man of the match by supporters on Twitter. With 47 per cent of nearly 2,000 votes cast, O’Nien was the clear winner of the man of the match accolade.

Sunderland’s Luke O’Nien contests for the ball with Walsall’s Corey Blackett-Taylor during the Sky Bet League 1 match between Sunderland and Walsall at the Stadium Of Light, Sunderland on Saturday 16th March 2019. (Credit: Steven Hadlow | MI News) (Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

The 24-year-old has been so consistent for Sunderland this season after a slow start to life in the North East.

And the ex-Wycombe Wanderers man is currently filling in at right-back, even though his natural position is central midfield.

O’Nien also spent time at left-back yesterday, showing that he is willing to fulfil various roles for Ross and the team.

Here are some things that Sunderland fans were saying about O’Nien’s performance against Walsall.

Luke O’Nien – the lad is a class act
Early days but he could have a long and brilliant career with us.
Possible future legend#safc
— Barry Dixon (@_BarryDixon) March 16, 2019

View Tweet

Well deserved win for my lad’s first home match today – first of many. O’Nien and Gooch’s commitment 1st class, Wyke substitution changed the game #safc #HawayTheLads
— MackemExiles (@MackemExiles) March 16, 2019

View Tweet

O’Nien – 9 MOTM: Superb defensively, summed up by Walsall’s left winger being subbed off. Can frustrate by not releasing the ball quickly enough sometimes but a very positive influence at both ends of the pitch. Delightful diving header clearance late on too!
— Wise Men Say Podcast (@WiseMenSayPod) March 16, 2019

View Tweet

That was a brilliant win and keeps us right in the hunt for second. Luke O’Nien was superb. #SAFC
— Michael Ashley (@mikeashley19) March 16, 2019

View Tweet

Fantastic result. O’Nien was superb. Thought Wyke linked up well with Grigg when he came on and Gooch made a huge impact. It’s going to go to the wire isn’t it ? #Safc
— Peter Whalen (@peterjames73) March 16, 2019

View Tweet

O’Nien was outstanding today. His enthusiasm, matched with skill, is everything #safc need
— James Taylor (@cynicalkind) March 16, 2019

View Tweet

O’Nien brilliant as usual
— Richard HB (@hobson197) March 16, 2019

View Tweet

@LukeONien was excellent again. Also thought @LyndenGooch came on and put in a really good performance. Not afraid to take players on and does not stop working.
— Brett (@Mk_mackem) March 17, 2019

View Tweet

Follow us on

News

‘Possible future legend’ – Sunderland fans rave about Luke O’Nien after Walsall win