Sunderland went into this game needing victory to keep up with the automatic promotion places. After a disappointing loss last week and several games where they conceded first, a positive reaction from the players was needed. It was a slow start to the game; however, young striker Josh Maja, Lynden Gooch and their teammates all stepped forward.
Maja and Gooch score in Black Cats Victory
Magic Josh Maja Continues Fine Form
Josh Maja scored his sixth and seventh goals of the season to top off an excellent week for the 19-year-old. Earlier in the week, the striker won the EFL Young Game Player of the Month award for August. His first goal came from an excellent cross from Chris Maguire, who himself gave an almost perfect performance. The youngster rose unmarked to head past the Rochdale keeper with ease.
The second of his goals and Sunderland’s third in eight minutes sealed the points. He received the ball to feet, took one touch and fired the ball into the net. Manager Jack Ross was rightly delighted with his performance: “His first, the header, was different to any goal he has scored this season. His second, he shifted the ball in a tight area. He has a lot of shots low and hard, gives keepers no time to react. To return the number of goals for a young man this early is terrific. If he can keep it going he will end with a really good total.”
Lynden Gooch Continues to Impress
A brace from attacking midfielder Lynden Gooch helped him continue his eye-catching form this season. The USA international has now scored three goals and contributed four assists so far this campaign. Gooch is becoming Sunderland’s Mr Dependable with his consistency on the pitch. His first was a first-half penalty, which he also won, which saw the Black Cats take a two-goal lead. His second, which extended the lead to four goals, was an excellent run and finish. He received the ball on the right wing, cut inside at speed, leaving defenders behind before curling the ball into the far corner with his left foot.
Gooch could have left Sunderland in the summer but wanted to stay where he had been for a number of years. He has lately stated that he will do all he can to get the club back into the Championship at the first attempt then hopefully the Premier League: “I’ve been with the club a really long time and I would do anything to get the club back where it belongs. The club obviously means a lot to me. Without the club, I wouldn’t be a professional footballer. They really invested in me and worked to give the best opportunity to have a career in the game. So the club means a lot to me and I hope we can finish the season on a happy note.”
International Hope
The American is also hoping his performances will eventually catch the eye of the USA manager. Gooch was last called up in May and hopes that his form will earn him another chance at international level. Talk in the US has indicated that interim coach Dave Sarachan could be looking at the 22-year-old with a view of handing the player an opportunity in the near future.
Black Cats Adapting
Today’s 4-1 victory saw Sunderland get back to winning ways after three league games without a win. The Black Cats are now third in the table, four points behind leaders Peterborough. They face each other a week on Tuesday in what could be an enthralling game.
The Black Cats are adapting to League One with each passing game and with injured players returning, they could get stronger. For only the second time this season they did not fall behind, something which manager Jack Ross has been working hard on. The goal conceded today was, although disappointing, a mere consolation for a side who were second best for the vast majority of the game.
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