Sky Bet League One
‘Massive respect’, ‘Remarkable’ – Many Sunderland fans laud key figure after Portsmouth win

Sunderland claimed a comprehensive 2-0 win over promotion rivals Portsmouth yesterday and many Black Cats have heaped praise on manager Lee Johnson after the game.
In-form striker Charlie Wyke powered in a header to put the visitors ahead at Fratton Park after 13 minutes and then Jordan Jones seized on a defensive effort to double the deficit in the second half.
The Black Cats controlled the game against Pompey, who didn’t even muster a shot on target, and claimed all three points to move within just a point of the top two in League One.
Johnson has masterminded a hugely impressive recent run at the North East club since their defeat to Shrewsbury Town in early February.
Sunderland have won eight of their last nine games in all competitions and seven of their last eight in League One – a run that has also seen them keep five clean sheets.
There is a lot of positivity surrounding the club at the moment, particularly after Kyril Louis-Dreyfus’ recent takeover, and the former Bristol City boss has got them flying on the pitch.
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Johnson certainly seems to be popular among Black Cats supporters, with many praising him on Twitter after last night’s game.
Read their reaction here:
Full credit to Lee Johnson. From the get go he was urging us to be more confident and play a higher line last night. Confidence is sky high. The squad look like they are enjoying themselves for the first time in years. #safc Twitter is a joy this morning. Ha'way the lads!
— UnionBerlinMan (@UnionBerlinMan) March 10, 2021
Some guy Lee Johnson to turn it around as quickly as he has, didn’t think we had any chance of automatic promotion but here we are. To think we had a year of watching Phil Parkinson and his dour, drab, soulless football. Can’t wait to gan back and support the lads man #SAFC https://t.co/eMXmxnWcDT
— Michael Cooney (@Coonsy27) March 9, 2021
Even the most pessimistic of Sunderland fans have to believe in automatic promotion now, what Johnson has done in such a small period of time is pretty remarkable and he probably hasn't had the chance to play his strongest XI yet #SAFC
— Jamie Joslyn (@JamieJoslyn1) March 9, 2021
Wow👏👏👏 im in awe to a man we were absolutely excellent tonight.. what Lee Johnson is getting out of this side is incredible.. we look rock solid at the back and so dangerous in attack. To go to Portsmouth and play like that and it’s becoming week in week out now.. wow👏 #safc
— Joe Smith (@Joecsmith11) March 9, 2021
Hugely missed the nerves tonight’s game brought. Massive win. Break the Wembley duck Sunday, get promoted, get Lee Johnson a statue built and let’s get back in the ground. Ha’way. #safc
— Joe Owens (@jwpowens) March 9, 2021
What a win, that could be the reason we go up this year if we do end up going up. Johnson’s got us playing class
— George Ollier 🇬🇧🇫🇷🍕 (@SAFCGeorge6) March 9, 2021
This has the been the best performance of the season everyone put in a shift in I just love Lee Johnson he’s doing a terrific job. #SAFC
— Oluwaseun Bamgboye (@bamgboyeolu) March 9, 2021
You have to believe that we can go up in automatics now don't ya🙈 absolutely unbelievable performance from all 11 players 👏 massive respect to Johnson you're doing a grand job my mate #safc
— Danielle Walker (@danwalkerxx) March 9, 2021