Sunderland fans were delighted last night as they finally delivered the big win their fans have been hoping for this season.
The victims were Tranmere Rovers, promoted from League Two last season and on a horrible run of form at present. They’re just a point above the drop zone and can’t seem to buy a win.
It was the banana-skin that the pessimistic Sunderland fans thought might give Phil Parkinson his first proper slip as manager, but in his first game at the Stadium of Light he’s given them hope of a brighter, more attacking future.
The game was dead and buried before half time. Duncan Watmore opened the scoring, capping a return to the side for him after his latest injury lay-off. Chris Maguire made it 2-0 before the half hour mark and by the time the whistle blew for half time it was 3-0 courtesy of Lynden Gooch.
This was the opposite of Jack Ross’ side, a fast and free-flowing attacking performance against an admittedly poor Tranmere side. Will Grigg got himself a goal as the game wore on, with Luke O’Nien adding a fifth towards the end of the encounter.
Sunderland had six shots on target, five went in and had 16 efforts all evening, fewer than against MK Dons under Ross. The difference is they won that game 2-1 and this one 5-0, which has delighted their supporters this morning.
See what happens when a manager plays attacking, positive football.
— James (@jxmes123) October 22, 2019
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What a game! What a performance! Ha’way the lads 🔥
— Parkway_Matty (@MattyBamm) October 22, 2019
Well done lads! Props to Phil too! He’s made a positive impact already! First clean sheet and 5 goals! Good stuff!
— Mark Lundie (@MarkLundie1) October 22, 2019
Hope Whatmore keeps fit, but not confident.