Lee Johnson reacts as Sunderland beat Burton Albion 3-0 - and Charlie Wyke scores again

Lee Johnson hailed the versatility of his Sunderland players after a reshuffled side sealed a 3-0 win over Burton Albion.
Charlie Wyke scores Sunderland's third goal at Burton AlbionCharlie Wyke scores Sunderland's third goal at Burton Albion
Charlie Wyke scores Sunderland's third goal at Burton Albion

Injuries to key defensive players saw Johnson switch to a 3-4-3 system, with Luke O’Nien continuing at centre-half and Lynden Gooch installed as a wing-back.

Both excelled in a controlled away performance, with Gooch scoring a stunning goal from range to put his side 2-0 ahead.

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Johnson admitted it was a game he was concerned about, given the lack of availability of many of his players and also Burton Albion’s form.

They had won three of their last four under Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink but were comfortably beaten by the Black Cats here.

“I was worried about this one, to be honest,” Johnson said.

“They're in good form, we had to change the shape.

“On the ball, it's a great shape and I thought we caused them problems throughout the first half with how footballing ability and interplay we had between the front players.

“Lynden is a pocket dynamo and with Aiden O'Brien making those sort of out to in runs, Goochy was the perfect player for the role.

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“Both him and Luke O'Nien ahve been absolutely fantastic because we've had to use them in three or four positions.

“I'm very happy with those two but I'm very hapy with everyone, it was a very professional performance.

“In the second half we had to weather a storm because they're a good side. Jonny Smith I know well and he's top class at cutting in from the right, and Burgey was there when we needed.”

Burton started the second half strongly, forcing a fine save from Lee Burge.

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Ryan Broom also missed a golden chance but the red card shown to Josh Earl changed the contest as Wyke added a late third.

“We had to gain control,” Johnson said.

“We gained that with our energy and obviously the sending off proved to be pivotal.

“It was pretty much game over when we got the third which meant we could save 10 or 12 minutes in some of the players which is important.

“The boys came on, nothing changed, they knew their role, and we were comfortable.

“That one has gone now and it's on to the next one.”