---
title: "Sunderland: Phil Smith raves over Luke O’Nien’s display v Blackburn"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/sunderland-luke-onien-match-reaction-championship/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Thompson"
section: "Championship News"
published: "2022-12-27T15:10:34Z"
modified: "2022-12-27T15:10:34Z"
---

# Sunderland: Phil Smith raves over Luke O’Nien’s display v Blackburn

**[Sunderland](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/sunderland-afc-news/) journalist Phil Smith has shared his praise for Luke O’Nien following his display in the Wearside club’s 2-1 win over [Blackburn Rovers](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/blackburn-rovers-news/) in the [Championship](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/championship-news/) on Boxing Day.**

### The Lowdown: Sunderland win it late

After putting his team behind with an unfortunate own goal, Ross Stewart scored an equaliser from the penalty spot a few minutes later, and Ellis Simms netted a stoppage time winner for Tony Mowbray’s side.

Another Sunderland player to garner some positive attention on Monday was O’Nien, who made his [22nd league appearance](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/luke-onien/leistungsdaten/spieler/282939) for the club in the current campaign, [most of which](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/luke-onien/leistungsdaten/spieler/282939) have come from centre-back despite often being [classified](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/luke-onien/profil/spieler/282939) as a defensive midfielder.

Indeed, the 28-year-old found himself the recipient of some glowing praise from Sunderland Echo journalist Smith.

### The Latest: Smith’s praise for O’Nien

Taking to [Twitter](https://twitter.com/Phil__Smith/status/1607384642616758272?s=20&t=WGLMgyYCcG3C12cJReoNrw) following the win over Blackburn, the reporter singled out O’Nien for praise due to his efforts in the match.

He tweeted: “L09 absolutely outstanding today mind. He’s [#SAFC](https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAFC?src=hashtag_click) starting CB on merit at the moment – so impressive.”

\[freshpress-quiz id=”410591″\]

### The Verdict: A solid display

Playing the full [90 minutes](https://www.sofascore.com/blackburn-rovers-sunderland/QsW) against the Lancashire club, O’Nien showcased his defensive talents by making two tackles and two clearances and blocking one shot. He also came out on top in seven of his [nine](https://www.sofascore.com/blackburn-rovers-sunderland/QsW) duels, more than any other Sunderland defender won on the day.

[Chronicle Live](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sunderland-blackburn-rovers-player-ratings-25836869) also picked up on the 28-year-old’s performance by saying in their player ratings article that he “hardly put a foot wrong” in the game.

\[freshpress-poll id=”419461″\]

Mowbray joined in the praise for the player by calling him “[amazing](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/sunderland-boss-makes-a-major-luke-onien-claim-after-another-superb-championship-performance-3966472)” and even tipping him for a potential move to the Premier League at some point in the future.

Taking all of that into account, it’s safe to say that O’Nien put in a solid display against Blackburn and played a big part in seeing Sunderland come away with victory.