Sunderland produce a performance to savour
Charlie Wyke says Sunderland can get even better – after their thumping 4-0 win at high-flying Lincoln City on Saturday.
The Imps had conceded just 10 league goals all season prior to the visit of the Black Cats on Saturday, but were undone by a ruthless attacking display at Sincil Bank.
And after what was comfortably Sunderland’s strongest performance of the term, Wyke has backed the side to get even better in the coming weeks – as they benefit from more time on the training ground with new head coach Lee Johnson.
"Obviously it's a great result,” said the striker.
“The gaffer has come and implemented his style straight away and it couldn't have gone any better really
" It was really enjoyable and we punished the opposition and got a few early goals, and we all enjoyed it.
“We have done a lot, like video analysis and stuff.
"He's really drilled it into us how he wants to play and today it's worked.
"It' s really enjoyable at the minute.
"Four goals against a good side, you can't complain.
“He's big on getting numbers in the box which is obviously going to suit me and will suit other players as well getting on the end of things,” he continued.
"But it' s only a week so we' re excited to see what comes in the next few weeks – because we've only had a few days to work on it and can do a lot more in the next few weeks.”
Wyke netted twice in the win at Lincoln.
His second – and Sunderland’s fourth – was emblematic of the way in which Johnson wants to see his side play.
And it was a pleasing goal for the striker himself too.
Having been side lined for Johnson’s first game in charge, he was able to stake his claim with a well-taken brace.
"It [fourth goal] is exactly what we've been working on,” admitted Wyke.
"We're really happy and obviously the gaffer will be happy that everything we worked on before the game has paid off.
"I just wanted to come in, score and play well really – and it's more important to play well and show the new gaffer what I can do.
"I' m just pleased to get two goals.”
The win at Lincoln –League One’ s surprise package this term–has thrust Sunderland firmly back into promotion contention as they approach the hectic festive fixture programme.
And Wyke is hoping the momentum can continue to build in the coming weeks, with the visit of AFC Wimbledon to the Stadium of Light quickly emerging on the horizon.
"We've got a great squad and we just need to build on this result,” said the striker.
"We've been on a bit of a bad run so to come here and win 4-0 is brilliant for us.
"Let' s just take the momentum into the next few games.
"It's only early doors in the season really.
"So we have to take this game, work on it, and hopefully play even better in the next game.”