Sunderland have looked like an impressive side since the turn of the year and a key reason for that is the form of Chris Maguire.
Indeed, the Black Cats have also been exceptional in defence with two goals conceded in nine league games, but it is their number seven who provides the spark in attack that is essential to winning games. Phil Parkinson’s decision to drop Aiden McGeady from the first-team squad in December created pressure on Maguire to perform and act as Sunderland’s key creative outlet, but so far he has thrived.
A hat-trick of assists against Bristol Rovers on Saturday highlights his importance and fans have naturally been quick to praise him not just for that display, but for his contribution throughout the season. After all, he has 10 goals and 10 assists in 24 league starts to his name, which shows that the north-east outfit may not be fighting for automatic promotion if he wasn’t in the squad.
It is clear to see that he is greatly appreciated at the Stadium of Light, and could be remembered for years to come if he leads the club to promotion.
https://twitter.com/ZoeLouise89/status/1231315170833641473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1231315170833641473&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fpublish.twitter.com%2F%3Fquery%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Ftwitter.com%252FZoeLouise89%252Fstatus%252F1231315170833641473%26widget%3DTweet
Would love to know how we got him on a free
— Kenzie Wooton (@WootonKenzie) February 23, 2020
Phil Parkinson and his back room team deserve a lot of credit for the fitness levels and organising the defence, but this bloke and @LyndenGooch have really got us moving forwards 👏👏👏 #SAFC https://t.co/7aWDg2iBlG
— Andrew Hird (@andrew_hird) February 22, 2020
21 goal contributions in 24 starts is outstanding! Especially when your not an out and out striker. What season he’s turning out to have https://t.co/sEsKbSNcNB
— Allan Davis (@davis0688) February 23, 2020
We’re not worthy https://t.co/3MgkDYMVYm
— 🔴James from Durham⚪ (@jamesSAFCmoore) February 23, 2020
Sunderland 3-0 Bristol Rovers
Total domination, Sunderland could and should have had the game wrapped up by half time. Maguire was unplayable, Dobson’s best showing for #safc. Josh Ginnelly turned Luke O’Nien inside out in the first half, probably Rovers only highlight all match— James Lowson (@jimmylowson) February 23, 2020
Sunderland fans tell us how you feel about Maguire! Would you be in the same position without him? Use the comments below to share your opinion with us…
