Many Sunderland fans applauded Dan Neil during Tuesday night's League One clash with Crewe Alexandra. 

Sunderland were looking to make it back-to-back away wins after coming from behind and surviving an Elliot Embleton red card in their 2-1 victory over Gillingham on Saturday.

Second-bottom Crewe, meanwhile, were going in search of just their second league win of the season and their first since they beat Burton Albion 2-0 on 18 September.

Black Cats manager Lee Johnson made one only change for the trip to Gresty Road, and it was enforced. The suspended Embleton made way for Aiden McGeady.

That meant Neil kept his place alongside Luke O'Nien in the 4-2-3-1 system.

Recapping Neil's performance

Neil's SofaScore rating of 7.3 was the third-highest in the Sunderland team, bettered only by two-goal striker Ross Stewart and McGeady.

He set-up Stewart's first goal just after the half-hour mark, completed every pass he attempted and made two tackles.

Sunderland fans issue rave Neil reviews

"Dan Neil can win Connect Four in three moves"

Credit: @Evs_Dubai

"Dan Neil counted to infinity…. Twice"

Credit: @antoneee_x

"Dan Neil once walked into the Heinz factory and every single tin of beans opened up for him."

Credit: @Laking86

"Dan Neil can slam a revolving door"

Credit: @iandobbers

"Sorry to repeat previous comments but dan Neil is a joy to watch"

Credit: @hayes1956

"Dan Neil masterclass the boy can play"

Credit: @GavLee82

In other news, fans fumed over this development.