100% duels and tackles won: Who was unsung Sunderland hero against Plymouth?

Sunderland had many fine individual performances in the win over Plymouth, but one man may not be getting the credit he deserves.

Sunderland goalscorers Pierre Ekwah, Jack Clarke and Jobe Bellingham might have grabbed the headlines in the 3-1 win over Plymouth, but there was an unsung hero on show too.

It wasn’t Dan Neil either. His performance was exceptional, arguably his best ever in a Sunderland shirt, but he was very much recognised for it. Actually, it was defender Luke O’Nien.

Of course, those getting the public praise deserve it, but the statistics certainly suggest that O’Nien does as well.

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He was literally unbeatable on the day, winning 100% of his duals – three on the ground and two in the air – and 100% of his tackles too.

His quality in defence didn’t end their either. He also had nine recoveries, was not disposed at all and didn’t commit a single foul during the contest.

In addition, all of O’Nien’s usual quality on the ball was evident too, with the possible exception of his long passing. Although, it should be noted that he still completed four (50%) long passes in the game.

The Sunderland captain completed 72 passes, just one short of Neil’s match-leading figure. Among them were eight passes that got Sunderland into the final third of the pitch.

Is Luke O’Nien gaining acceptance as a defender?

IMAGO / Focus Images

A common topic for discussion this season among Sunderland fans is whether O’Nien should be playing in central defence.

It started in the summer when it became apparent that he had surpassed last season’s player of the year Danny Batth in the pecking order, and it has kept on going.

He has been criticised for not being a ‘natural centre back,’ and his defending at set-pieces is a concern for many as he likes to hold opposition players, making himself a constant penalty risk.

However, there also has to come a time when perceptions have to be challenged, and the numbers O’Nien is putting up right now suggest that time may have arrived.

The Plymouth game was actually the second game in the row that O’Nien has been 100% of duels and tackles, and he is actually out-performing Dan Ballard of late in many key defensive metrics.

When added to his obvious quality on the ball, experience and leadership, O’Nien’s importance and value to this Sunderland side should surely becoming clear to everyone. 

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