'Love him!': Sunderland fans hail 'unreal' star after vital Oxford United triumph

The Black Cats had to soak up a great deal of pressure at the Kassam Stadium, but Jordan Willis’ early header was enough to secure the three points.

And it was the centre back who came in for praise from supporters following the game as he helped Phil Parkinson’s side to another clean sheet.

Indeed, the back three as a whole were hailed by fans after a determined display.

Here’s what Sunderland fans were saying on social media after the win:

@aimeegordon_x said: “Good defensively but need to be a bit more ruthless going forward”

@Phillip_RJ89 added: “Solid at the back, lacking fluency going forward. This is classic ‘stormy away-day in League One’ fare. Brutally ugly at times, but again, the kind of test that you simply must pass if promotion is your ambition!”

@deano733 commented: “Solid enough but wyke just slows us right down going forward , he might put a shift in but just isnt good enough”

@sixinarow2015 posted: “If we can see this one out and with back to back home games at the fortress sol to come this promotion is really on”

@IanTom007 tweeted: “One thing ive noticed today, we are handing possession over a bit too easily and we have been pinned in alot. Need someone to get a foot in a bit quicker”

@EathanHunt3 added: “Realising how good Sunderland’s defence is atm like, never feel like we’re going to concede makes a nice change”

@stubailey73 said: “I’m sorry but Charlie Wyke is doing zero to help our cause here, surely there are better options”

@davidsmithsafc posted: “can see both teams getting promoted on todays performance both teams given everything for the 3 points”

@forsterchris0 tweeted: “The defence is unreal. Love willis. Cant be inviting this pressure. Need to press more and get and keep possession by the sounds of it.”

@Jam_Sarny added: “Willis is the best centre back in this league. Don't argue with me.”