Sunderland Win by Five in Phil Parkinson’s First Home Game

Manager Phil Parkinson made several changes for his second game in charge. An injury to Charlie Wyke at Wycombe saw Will Grigg start up front. Aiden McGeady was suspended and in came fan favourite Chris Maguire. George Dobson and Lynden Gooch also started, forming an attacking lineup.

First-half goals from Duncan Watmore, a brilliant Chris Maguire free-kick and Lynden Gooch tap in gave Sunderland a comfortable lead at half-time. Tranmere came back into the game in the second half but two further goals from Will Grigg and a Luke O’Nien header completed the rout.

Duncan Watmore Impresses

Duncan Watmore returned to league action at the Stadium of Light with a bang. The 25-year-old has suffered several bad injuries in the past several seasons. However, the forward appears to be over the worst and produced an excellent display.

Watmore was a constant threat to the Tranmere defence. He scored the first and had a role in the Black Cats second and third goals. This was a promising performance for the player. Indeed, Watmore is still getting back to full fitness after another long lay off. Should he continue to play as he did in this game, and stay fit, he could be a key player this season.

Will Grigg Back on Fire

January signing Will Grigg has not made the impact at Sunderland many would have thought he would. He began the game in place of the injured Charlie Wyke and looked like the player that persuaded Sunderland to buy him. The Northern Ireland international worked tirelessly and deserved his first league goal of the season.

When the striker came off near the end of the game, his performance garnered a standing ovation. Grigg is a prolific goalscorer at this level; however, with most strikers, confidence is key. With a run in the team looking likely, a first league goal and a standing ovation, Grigg could now be about to get back to the goalscoring form he is capable of.

Parkinson Delighted

New manager Phil Parkinson was rightfully delighted by his team’s performance. Five goals and a clean sheet could now give the Black Cats the confidence and platform required to move up the table.

Speaking after the game, Parkinson said: “I am so pleased for the lads, they worked exceptionally hard and earned that win. It was an incredible night. I really enjoyed everything about it, from the moment I walked in the ground.”

“3-0 at half-time you have to keep everyone focused and we asked for a ruthless, professional performance and they gave us that. We have set the bar high now! We can build on this.”

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