Winchester, O’Nien and Power

I thought these three were tremendous last night.

It seems to me that Johnson is keen for his central midfielders to be in possession for as little as possible. They should get the ball and recycle quickly either forwards or backwards. Either they get the ball to the attacking players to do their magic quickly, or they give the ball back to the defenders who have more space to play the right pass.

For me this is one of the many reasons why O’Nien and even Power are thriving back there. They have more time to do traditional midfield type passes from further back.

O’Nien. Wow. Intelligent, truly two footed, composed, aggressive. He won everything in the air, was brave, hard working. It would have been a truly remarkable performance from a seasoned championship level centre back. The fact that he’s not one makes it just incredible. I have literally no idea how far this kid could go, but he’s brilliant.

 

O9 continues to improve at a rapid rate - KLD et al really need to sort out a new contract for him asap. He could easily step up a division at this rate.

Really pleased about Winchester as well, he is now showing wat we were all told he could do and could turn out to be a very astute signing based on statistics!!

 

I think it was obvious that Winchester needed a little time to settle in. I thought the last couple of times I've seen him play that he's been looking decent. Like has been said about O'Brien, I've noticed some good work without the ball from him in previous games

 

O9 had a big part in our first goal as well, which I haven’t seen people mention.

If you watch the goal back you will see that he simply stands still, which holds up his defender so he can’t get close to Wyke and this forces the defender who was with Charlie to have to go around both O9 and his defender giving him the space to get the free header.

I thought that was a very clever move, or no move, clearly something they have been working on to creat space.

 

I really think O nien could play in the championship. He’s that type of player who just works so hard to improve. He has that will to do what’s required, if that means play right back or centre half then do be it.

Winchester I thought was immense last night. I don’t think he does the stuff that gets him in the limelight. He does the dirty work.
He played a lovely cross field ball about 50-60 yards. This kid is going to push us right where we need to go. He’s mobile, strong in the tackle and can pick a pass. He’s exactly what our midfield has been missing this season.

 

I noticed that. The fact he just stayed still kept their player occupied....very clever I thought.
Kenny Jacket thought it was obstruction....blokes a loon.

 

I mentioned it on the match day thread. It was Superb from O’Nien. I also had a few beers last night and mentioned that I want to have his babies!!!!!!


I stand by that comment!!!

 

Which one, if it’s the babies one , sorry to tell you that is anatomical impossible, but I know what you mean!

 

Standing still can not be obstruction, moving into somebody’s path is obstruction.

 

I know that, its Jenny Kacket that doesn't.

 

Thought Scowen was brilliant too myself. Starting to appreciate how important he is to our press and tidying up of possession. Never stops running and good on the ball too.

 

And it would sting a bit.

 

Think it was the best performance I have seen from us this season. Worked as a unit and hardly put a foot put wrong, Burge looked solid and commanded area well came out when needed and had nothing much to do because of the defensive line in front. Showed clean hands on the few occasions he needed to take the ball and a reasonable punch clear late on. O'Nien was brilliant, Sanderson calm and collected knowing that if either slipped up the other would be able to cover.

Jones was excellent, a real threat and tormented them until subbed. McGeady similar, looks a class above at this level and his work rate was great tracking back when needed. Winchester looked assured and played a few excellent long balls wasn't afraid to get stuck in. Power looked more mobile than I have seen previously and again put in a great shift. Wyke was a handful all night holds the ball up well and popped up with a lovely goal again - just rewards coming to him for transforming himself under Johnson. AOB pulled player about all over and created space for others too. To be honest I cant pick out a weak performance, they were excellent and controlled the game from start to finish, even in the period after the restart when it was obvious Jackett had told them to buck their ideas up. Saw the game out as cool as you like too which is nice, none of this ****ting ourselves and conceding late trying to hold onto a slim lead.

Its amazing what a bit of confidence has done for a number of our players. They look more fleet of foot moving the ball quicker and playing some delightful one touch football at times. They are moving it from back to front with speed and skill, switching the play cross field with accuracy and creating chances. We hadn't beaten Portsmouth at Fratton Park in 24 years apparently so last nights result cannot be underestimated it was a dominant display against one of the leagues "big boys" who have been there or thereabouts all the time we have been down here.

It looks like new owner/manager combo is having a great effect now, long may it continue.

 

Mcfadzean also had a solid game tonight. Relationship with Mcgeady is maturing well.

 

I think Jackett mentioned that in his post match interview

 

No doubt about that, possibly even higher. He really is developing into some player. He has everything you would want in a defender/midfielder.

 

I thought Power was MOTM but let’s be honest, could have been just about anyone.

Was as complete a performance as I’ve seen from us for 3 years, everyone was bang on it.

Winchester is growing fast, finding his feet.

 

Best performance I have seen in a long time. I even started to feel confident half way through the second half that we had it in the bag. Now that is not like watching Sunderland. I'm usually a bag of nerves waiting for the inevitable to happen.

Like everyone else I thought O'Nien was superb. Playing him out of position at centre back against a player like Marquis who, lets face it is a handful, was a bit of a worry to be honest, but not only did he do ok, he came through with flying colours and was MoTM. All round a great performance and what a goal by JJ.

 

Would like to see Winchester do well. Have to admit until last night I was struggling with him.
He has looked very nervous and I think that has affected his game, but he grew a foot taller second half yesterday
Funny how different players react. I honestly think Winchester has been overwhelmed by his new surroundings
and the standard of some of his new team mates (like McGeady)
He's settling in now and games like last night will help him massively Hope he continues to improve.

Jones is the absolute opposite. Full of himself and thrives on the big occasion. Last night was made for him.
Think he'll have a big game on Sunday.
Said last week. We are developing a swagger and arrogance that will have other teams sh**ing themselves.
Its a long time since you could say that about a Sunderland team

 

Agree 100%. You were struggling for positives with him, but then there was a step up, then last night he was superb.

Johnsons comment about Jones said it all ‘he’s a real character and a confident lad’

Gaffer speak for ‘cocky wee **** who knows he’s good’.

As he’s getting fitter, his quality is crystal clear. Already hope we are working on a deal to keep him as he’s the kjnd of player we love here.

The 2 goals he’s scored have been ridiculous, but the effortless way he was farting around last night was fantastic to see in our shirt.

Some of the daft little ping it around triangles just for possession last night had me sitting nodding to myself like Mr Miyagi. Ha.