Many Sunderland fans were unhappy with the performance of Luke O’Nien during their League One clash with Gillingham on Saturday afternoon.
Sunderland were looking to muster a response after a 4-0 thrashing away to Portsmouth last time out in the league.
Hosts Gillingham, meanwhile, were hoping to a halt of run of three straight defeats across all competitions. They went down 2-0 at Wycombe Wanderers last weekend.
Lee Johnson made three changes from the trip to Fratton Park. In came Callum Doyle, Dan Neil and Alex Pritchard, while out went Bailey Wright, Corry Evans and Leon Dajaku.
Recapping O’Nien’s first half
Sunderland fell behind to Danny Lloyd’s 25th-minute penalty, and it was O’Nien who conceded the spot-kick after catching Stuart O’Keefe.
The midfielder touched the ball 51 times during the first half and completed 29 of his 37 passes (via SofaScore).
He actually won five of his seven duels, but fans may believe much of the good work was undone when he made the foul in the area.
Many Sunderland fans rip into O’Nien
“That’s a ridiculously soft penalty to concede, and it was coming, because we’ve looked quite disjointed so far & haven’t found any rhythm. 1-0 early doors, and now it’s another big test. Very, very poor challenge from O’Nien.”
Credit: @Philip_RJ89
“O’Nien has been poor in general so no surprise he gave a penalty away. Not good enough all over the pitch though in fairness.”
Credit: @kevsafc22
“Like I’ve said it’s ‘streaky’ and O’nien as a liability. Should be no where near Sunderland’s 1st 11.”
Credit: @Houghton1956
“Sloppy from O’Nien that, too casual and Flanagan flat footed”
Credit: @TheDiddyman1
“Club’s biggest mistake, giving O’Nien a new deal”
Credit: @CrazyMackem23
“Penalty Gillingham. O’Nien makes a stupid tackle in the box and looks a clear pen.”
Credit: @ALS_Fanzine
In other news, fans react to this injury blow.
