Sunderland looked comfortable last night as they eased to a 3-0 victory against Rochdale. The side were cruising with 65.7% possession, and never really looked like conceding, with Rochdale only managing to place one shot on target.
Sunderland fans praised Tom Flanagan, who is valued at £225k (as per Transfermarkt), after the match, insisting that he had a particularly good game. They thought he was excellent, with one supporter referencing his Johan Cruyff inspired turn. Another thinks his forward passing was on point, suggesting that the defender could have even walked away with an assist on another night.
Flanagan. Looked very solid at the back allowing Hume to get forward into three space, and Flanagan's passes forward tonight were sublime – was unlucky not to come away with a key pass or assist. #safc
— Paul (@AccountantPaul) February 11, 2020
Exactly what we needed tonight in the conditions, get it wrapped up nice and early. Thought both Flanagan and Dobson were outstanding #SAFC
— Alex Devine (@ASDevine95) February 11, 2020
Flanagan actually looks good when he doesn’t have that clown Baldwin next to him like. #safc
— Jordan Ramsey (@RamseySAFC) February 11, 2020
Tom “Virgil Van Dijk” Flanagan. A forgive ya #safc
— Laura (@LauraJ8338) February 11, 2020
Was Tom Flanagan Sunderland's best player against Rochdale?
Yes
No
Others think Phil Parkinson has had a big part to play in Flanagan’s resurgence. They think the manager has finally started to get the best out of a lot of his players.
Flanagan looks a much better player under Parko. Looks to pass rather than lump it forward.
— Brian Waites (@bwaites1612) February 11, 2020
Flanagan is another who Parkinson has turned around, settled into the back 3 well. Was always suspect but now is comfortable it’s amazing what a few wins can do and others around can inject confidence into your performances #Safc
— Josh Bunting (@Buntingfootball) February 11, 2020
@baileywright92 was MOTM @mp_1825 and @georgedobson97 bossed the midfield also Flanagan was Superb all of team was excellent, Jon McLaughlin was a spectator in goal. you have to give credit to Parkinson he’s done a brilliant job I like him he’s a good manager. #SAFC
— Oluwaseun Bamgboye (@bamgboyeolu) February 11, 2020
What do we think?
The win helped Sunderland climb up to fifth in the table, just two points behind fourth with a game in hand. If they can start racking up a few more wins over the next few weeks, the Black Cats may even start thinking about challenging for an automatic promotion spot.