Sunderland booked themselves a spot in the League One play-off final on Monday night thanks to Patrick Roberts’ late goal to level proceedings at Hillsborough.
The Black Cats left it late in Yorkshire having found themselves behind on the night with Lee Gregory’s second-half goal levelling the tie.
Should O'Nien start in the final?
Yes
No
Next up for Alex Neil’s men is a clash in the capital against Wycombe Wanderers for a spot in the Championship, however, it was apparent Phil Smith was not overly impressed with Luke O’Nien’s display.
The 27-year-old has been a mainstay in the Sunderland XI since returning from his shoulder injury back in March, but he did find himself losing possession on 15 occasions at Hillsborough.
It has been a difficult campaign for the Hemel Hempstead-born midfielder through injury, and it seemed Smith was not overly convinced by his on the ball work on Monday night:
“At times could have offered more in possession but his scrapping off the ball and breaking up the play was important,” Smith wrote for the Sunderland Echo.
TIF Thoughts on Smith’s comments…
It may not have been a display to remember for O’Nien on the night with a real lack of attacking drive coming from the 27-year-old.
O’Nien only managed to land 68% of the 37 passes he attempted and failed to attempt a single shot throughout the games (via SofaScore).
And it seems Smith was not impressed with O’Nien on Friday night either as he awarded the Englishman with just a 6/10 rating for his display at the Stadium of Light.
Although O’Nien also gave away two fouls on the night, he has played a big role under Neil and the Black Cats have only lost one game since the 40-year-old was appointed.
In other news: Behind-scenes footage emerges of Sunderland ace that supporters will love – opinion