Luke O’Nien has been vocal in his admiration for his teammates following Sunderland’s gritty performance against QPR last weekend. Reflecting on his defensive partnership, he shared how much he’s enjoying his role alongside Chris Mepham at the heart of Sunderland’s defense this season. Mepham, who arrived on a season-long loan from Bournemouth on the final day of the summer transfer window, has swiftly established himself as an essential figure under head coach Régis Le Bris. The 26-year-old Wales international has built a strong rapport with O’Nien, Sunderland’s captain, with the duo forming a solid backline that has already secured three clean sheets in four matches. Playing alongside full-backs Dennis Cirkin and Trai Hume, O’Nien praised his defensive colleagues after they held QPR to a goalless draw at Loftus Road, even with the challenge of playing with ten men due to Jobe’s second-half red card. He also had words of appreciation for substitute Leo Hjelde’s contributions.
In discussing Mepham’s impact, O’Nien described him as “bloody magnificent,” emphasizing how much Mepham’s qualities on and off the pitch resonate with both the team and the fans. He commended Mepham not just for his defensive skill but also for the positive energy he brings to Sunderland’s culture and environment. According to O’Nien, playing alongside Mepham and the rest of the backline has been both enjoyable and educational, as everyone within the squad pushes each other to improve. He also expressed gratitude for the support he receives from his teammates, acknowledging how their presence helps him grow as a player and a person, on and off the field.
Looking back on the match against QPR, O’Nien acknowledged that Sunderland didn’t have the same rhythm as in previous games. However, he praised the team’s resilience, noting that despite being down to ten players, they maintained defensive structure and managed to secure a valuable point. He also pointed out how the team’s control while out of possession was evident, especially in the final half-hour of the match. Though Sunderland couldn’t create as many opportunities with a player down, O’Nien believes that reviewing the match will offer valuable insights for improvement. The experience of battling through a challenging game like this, he said, will ultimately help the team refine their approach and work on regaining their usual flow in the upcoming fixtures.
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