‘Too inconsistent’, ‘Quality player’ – Plenty of Sunderland fans divided over key man’s start to the season

Sunderland thrashed Tranmere Rovers 5-0 in Phil Parkinson’s first match at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday evening. 

The Black Cats led 3-0 at half-time through goals from Duncan Watmore, Chris Maguire and Lyndon Gooch. Their dominance continued into the second half, with Will Grigg and Luke O’Nien scoring late goals to complete a perfect night.

Sunderland star man Aiden McGeady missed out last night through suspension, however it remains to be seen as to whether he will get back into the side after the way Gooch and Watmore performed last night.

According to Sunderland fan account Speak Sunderland, their three best performances this season have came when McGeady hasn’t featured.

The general consensus is Sunderland are heavily reliant on the Irishman when he’s on the pitch, and expect him to deliver every week.

Perhaps new manager Parkinson can utilise McGeady in a better way than Jack Ross did. Let’s see whether some of the Sunderland fans think they’re a better side without the winger.

He’s still a quality player, imagine having him as an impact sub, just makes us stronger.

— Peter (@pjmaddison22) October 22, 2019

The previous 2 wins were a clear sign of Ross’ over reliance on him and we played better as a team without. I’d argue tonight’s performance would be attributed to not playing a big lad up top and utilising pace and width, not necessarily the lack of McGeady.

— Paul Dodge Rodgers (@dodge_22) October 22, 2019

I'd trust Parky to find a way to fit him in that suits him as he's a match winner and we'd likely need him against the better teams in this league

— Kristian Wall (@kristianwall49) October 22, 2019

Easily the best individual player in the squad, probably the league. But our over reliance on him and Ross' 'give it to Mcgeady at every opportunity' tactics meant we didn't function well as a team
He would still be our best player if we use him properly

— Jonny Smith (@OrwiteTreacle) October 22, 2019

Said this for a good while now, team balance just seems much better without him and performance's seem better. Always feel he's not a team player and is far too inconsistent with his performances.

— Marcareeno 13 (@marcareeno) October 22, 2019

Not the case our best XI is without him but certainly over rely on him. Think a big factor of that was Ross. Wouldn’t exclude him but no rush to put him in the starting 11.

— Connor Lawson (@connorlawson_) October 22, 2019