Luke O’Nien in ‘Magnificent’ incident as Sunderland win v Coventry City
Luke O’Nien caught Dean Ashton’s eye as Sunderland beat Coventry City in the Championship play-offs semi-final on Friday.
Regis Le Bris’ team travelled to Coventry Building Society Arena on 9 May, and the centre-back made what could be a crucial intervention.
Anthony Patterson had a scare against Frank Lampard’s side in the first half, but the visitors were relatively resolute, and the score was 0-0 at the break.
Wilson Isidor scored after the hour mark, but the Sky Blues equalised immediately through Jack Rudoni, before Milan van Ewijk’s error led to Eliezer Mayenda scoring a late goal in the 2-1 win.
O’Nien shove on Brandon Thomas-Asante magnificent in Sunderland win v Coventry
O’Nien’s defending to deny Brandon Thomas-Asante an opportunity to score was magnificent, Dean Ashton says.
The former West Ham United striker was impressed with the 30-year-old’s clever intervention when Jay Dasilva’s cross found the Ghanaian centre-forward.
| Competition | Appearances | Points per game |
| Championship | 45 | 1.67 |
Ashton lauded the Black Cats’ English defender as his shrug ensured Le Bris’ team didn’t find themselves behind a few minutes after the break.
Speaking on talkSPORT (9 May, 21:06), the ex-centre-forward said: “Decent ball wasn’t it from Dasilva? Just shifted it and whipped it into a great area, six-yard line. Thomas-Asante gets there, and it’s a magnificent bit of defending from O’Nien as he just shrugs him as he’s about to head it.
“And it just means he arches his back slightly, doesn’t get the flight of the ball correct, and heads it over. It would’ve been a great chance if it wasn’t for a clever shove from O’Nien.”
Le Bris happy with result at Coventry Building Society Arena
Le Bris’ team will take on Coventry at home in the second leg, arguably giving the Wearside outfit an edge to go to Wembley.
Sheffield United beat Bristol City 3-0 away from home in the other play-offs semi-final on Thursday (8 May), and look like the likely opponents if the Black Cats can make the final.
Chris Wilder’s team went toe-to-toe with Leeds United and Burnley during the regular season and almost won automatic promotion.
Before dreaming about going to Wembley, Sunderland must beat Coventry at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday (13 May) and should be confident going into the fixture.
The Black Cats had a defensive approach in CV6, but fans will expect that to change at home.
Isidor and Mayenda will need to do more in the second leg to fire the Wearside outfit to Wembley, despite both finding the back of the net.
Lampard’s team haven’t been the best away from home this season, losing four and drawing one of their last five games in the Championship during their travels.
It will be interesting to see how Le Bris will approach the tie’s second leg.