Stephen Elliott: Lionel Messi would have been proud of Lynden Gooch's stunning goal - but he won't be happy on the Sunderland bench

It’s been a while since the red and white army made the trip for an away game.

Well, a long time for most fans that is. The trip to Oxford was entirely worth it for the vanload that managed to travel.

With George Dobson suspended, many thought it was time for the inclusion of Josh Scowen. However, Phil Parkinson decided to overlook the former QPR man and go with the more experienced Grant Leadbitter.

Parkinson clearly felt it was a game that required a little bit more know-how, with the inclusion of Danny Graham too.

It proved to be a good decision on both counts, with the club captain putting in an astute performance and the big striker being a useful target for his team to play off.

Leadbitter may not have the sprightly legs of years past, however he looked revitalised and fit on his return to league action. He showed he can be an important cog in the Sunderland wheel this season.

His presence on the pitch instilled some calmness in the team. This was missing from last weeks disjointed display.

Overall, it was a solid away performance. Graham put himself about although nothing fell kindly for him in front of the goal. Aiden O’Brien was again full of effort, but you feel he needs a break.

He worked tirelessly throughout and on another day with a bit more composure, could have had a couple of goals.

Luke O’Nien put a great shift in down the right as he always does and got his reward.

I still don’t think it’s his best position, but you can never fault O’Nien as he will always battle hard for his teammates.

He’s a reliable sort no matter where he plays. It certainly won’t be easy for opposing teams playing against him.

Chris Maguire who showed real quality on the ball at times added another assist to his ever-improving stats. Although, he’ll admit that he didn’t know much about the assist.

The team played with a high tempo second half which Oxford struggled to deal with.

Oxford on recent showings look to be suffering a bit of a hangover after last season’s play-off defeat. Sunderland could have scored a few more goals on another day and it would not have been an injustice.

A special mention to Lynden Gooch, a player that will not be happy sitting on the sides. He scored a sublime individual goal. His mesmerising run and finish wouldn’t have looked out of place in a Lionel Messi highlight reel.

It was another reminder, that on his day, there aren’t many better players in this division who can drive at opponents and finish with such aplomb and composure.

His goal capped off the perfect away team performance and Gooch himself will be hoping that it leads to a bit more consistency in his own game.

Going back to our supporters, I’m sure those who did make the journey down, were very happy on their way back.

Hats off to them and hats off to Phil Parkinson and his men. It was a good pick me-up for everyone after last week's poor result.

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