Johnson: It was a very professional performance...on to the next one

Lee Johnson has hailed the versatility of his Sunderland players after a reshuffled side sealed a 3-0 win over Burton Albion.

Injuries to key defensive players saw Johnson switch to a 3-4-3 system, with Luke O’Nien continuing at centrehalf 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.

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

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

“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 footballing ability and the interplay we had between the front players.

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

“Both him and Luke O'Nien have 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 happy 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 (Lee Burge) was there when we needed.”

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

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.”