Luke O’Nien makes strong Sunderland league table admission and comments on Dominic Calvert-Lewin battle
Luke O’Nien reflected on Sunderland’s league position and his battle with Dominic Calvert-Lewin after helping secure a clean sheet against Leeds United
Luke O’Nien insists Sunderland have nobody to blame but themselves for their Premier League position, but believes performances like Sunday’s against Leeds United will bring better results.
The defender helped Sunderland secure a goalless draw at the Stadium of Light, ending a run of four consecutive league defeats. The result left the Black Cats bottom with five points from eight matches.
O’Nien made 16 clearances, the second-highest total by any player in a Premier League game this season. 11 were headers, with no player recording more in a single match, as Sunderland dealt with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and difficult, swirling winds.
O’Nien makes clear league-table admission
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, O’Nien acknowledged that Sunderland’s position reflected their performances across the opening weeks of the campaign.
“I think the table always reflects fairly where teams deserve to be, and I think over the course of the season if we keep putting in performances like that it will represent where we should be. But the table always reflects where people should be, but we need to keep looking at ourselves; don't look at anyone else, it's no one else's fault but us, and we know that.”
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There was greater defensive resilience against Leeds, although Sunderland were unable to find a winning goal. James Trafford denied Brian Brobbey and Nilson Angulo as both teams struggled to make the decisive breakthrough. “I think the wind played a big part and credit to both defences and the attacks as well to be able to keep it to no goals in that swirling wind,” O’Nien said. I think it was a good effort from everybody, so obviously we want three points from where we are in the table, but keep putting up the performances like that, and we'll get some.”
Clean sheet after Calvert-Lewin contest
Calvert-Lewin had been an injury doubt before being passed fit to start, giving Sunderland’s defence a demanding afternoon against the Leeds striker.
O’Nien praised the contributions of Robin Roefs and substitute Omar Alderete, while expressing concern for Nordi Mukiele after accidentally catching his teammate during the second half. Mukiele received treatment before eventually being replaced by Alderete. “As a defender, it's always nice to have a clean sheet, especially after the last few games where we haven't had one.
“It's always something we're looking to do, and Robin [Roefs] came up with some big saves. Omar [Alderete] coming on was really good as well, and I hope my teammate [Nordi Mukiele] is okay as well because I think that was kind of my fault. But we got the clean sheet for him, so hopefully not too bad.”
Busy schedule welcomed
Sunderland’s attention now turns to Wednesday’s Carabao Cup meeting with Brentford before their Premier League trip to Coventry City on Saturday. Despite the demands of balancing domestic football with the Europa League, O’Nien welcomed the opportunities provided by a packed fixture list.
“I think the extra games help - you build momentum, more players come in, it builds rhythm. We've got a game Wednesday, then Saturday, Thursday - as kids growing up, all you wanted to do was play football every day. It suits us all nicely, and we're going to need everybody in the squad, and whatever competition it is, we're out there to win games.”