Just as Sunderland’s season was beginning to look relegation bound, the Black Cats have gone undefeated in their last five matches. Within their last three games, they have won two (WhoScored.com). Their latest win came against Lincoln City where Phil Parkinson’s side won the game 3-1. Tom Flanagan opened the scoring in the 19th minute before Lynden Gooch scored in the 23rd and 29th minute to put the win to bed.
Gooch also scored during Sunderland’s 2-1 win over Doncaster, meaning he has now scored three goals in three games. Goals have been difficult to come by under Parkinson’s management. In fact, the wins against Doncaster and Lincoln were only the second and third game in which the club has scored more than one goal in a game since Parkinson took over. But fans were impressed with Gooch’s performance. They think he is saving their season.
Saved our season
— Jamie (@JamieSAFC_) January 4, 2020
Class Lynden. Keep doing what you’re doing.
— Tom (@Leech27Tom) January 4, 2020
We have played better since hes been in
— Rhys William (@lincolnSAFC) January 4, 2020
— cheeses of nazereth (@Cheeses0fNaz) January 4, 2020
Are Sunderland's playoff hopes back on?
Yes
No
They praised his work ethic, suggesting that the team needs more players to show the same level of effort. One fan says that the team’s morale seems to be much higher than it was a few weeks ago.
Top man today. Never stopped grafting.
As fans we generally don’t always expect pretty games, but we do expect graft and Gooch (with others) showed he understood that. #leadbyexample.
— Ed Hudspith (@HudspithEd) January 4, 2020
A huge pat on the back.
There is definitely a more positive aura and appears to be a uplifting change within the team & club
— George the 3rd (@Georgesparents) January 4, 2020
What do we think?
If Gooch can continue to inspire his team to victory, it would be a huge boost to Parkinson, who has rightly been under the cosh for a while now. Now the club is just one point off a playoff spot (Sky Sports) and if their form continues in the same upward trajectory, the misery fans felt towards the boss most recently could well be forgotten at the end of the campaign.