Ross purrs with joy at ‘complete’ Cats display

SUNDERLAND produced one of their most “complete” performances of the season as they swept aside Plymouth Argyle, according to Jack Ross.

Goals from Lee Cattermole in the first half and George Honeyman near the end gave the Black Cats a 2-0 win over the Pilgrims.

Asked whether it was Sunderland’s best display of the season, Ross said: “You don’t get to where we are this season without being good in games.

“I think, in terms of sustained pressure, we were good, particularly in the first half, and the things we do and what we work on and you don’t often get days as a manager where it works as completely as that.

“The players enjoyed it, they are satisfied by it, but they are in a good place where they don’t get too high when we win and they are not too anxious when things go the other way.”

He added: “In the first half I thought we were very good and the frustrating thing was that we weren’t further ahead at half time.

“But the other pleasing aspect was that we were resilient through periods in the second half, comfortable, compact, and continued to make opportunities.

“It was a satisfying afternoon for us.”

On-loan Celtic winger Lewis Morgan came into the starting line up and he was Sunderland’s stand-out player, setting up Cattermole’s opener and generally striking fear into the hearts of the Plymouth defence.

Ross said: “Lewis was good last week when he came on at Bristol Rovers.

“He will always back himself to want to play, believe that he is good enough to play, and he wants to show that all the time.

“His spell in the game at Bristol last week and then in the first half today showed what he is capable of.

“He is a good player, there is no doubt about that – I wouldn’t have brought him here if not – and the other players could see that.

“His contribution was good.”

Ross left defender Jack Baldwin and midfielder Dylan Mcgeouch out of the squad, but said it was simply a matter of numbers.

“I can only strip 16 outfield players,” he said. “I know it’s a boring answer but that’s the reality of having a fit and healthy squad!” today