Purring Parky’s full of praise as ‘professional’ Cats run riot
GOAL FEST GIVES BOSS SELECTION POSER
PHIL Parkinson praised Sunderland’s ‘professional performance’ as the Black Cats put eight goals past Aston Villa’s youngsters.
Charlie Wyke scored twice, with Josh Scowen, Max Power, George Dobson, Aiden O’Brien, and debutants Danny Graham and Morgan Feeney, also on the scoresheet as Sunderland opened their EFL Trophy Group A campaign with a resounding victory at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday. Sunderland’s five-goal burst in the final 15 minutes meant this was the first time the Black Cats had scored eight goals in a game since September 1956. Parkinson said: “It was a very professional performance, it was great to get goals – not just from the strikers, but with the midfield players chipping in – so I’m pleased with the night’s work.
“We were always going to use the game to give the lads who needed minutes some more gametime, sprinked with a few of the youngsters. “The game was played at a decent pace. Villa have got a young, athletic, team and we had to really work hard to earn the right to play, but I was very pleased with the professionalism shown by the lads.”
Parkinson had named a side with a mixture of young players such as Dan Neil, Jack Diamond and Brandon Taylor alongside a number of senior players who needed gametime.
And some of the performances will have given Parkinson food for thought as he prepares to pick his team for Saturday’s League One opener against Bristol Rovers.
“We want selection problems, we want competition in all areas of the pitch,” said Parkinson.
“Is the squad there yet? No.
“Is it close to it? Yes, I think it is. “I really want tough decisions, and I want myself and Steve [Parkin, assistant manager] to be talking on the way in to work at 6.30am-7am in the morning about what we are going to do because we have got so many options.
“Certainly tonight the lads have given us plenty to think about.”
Aside from his goal, Scowen also contributed three assists from corners and Parkinson says the midfielder’s precise delivery has given Sunderland an extra weapon.
He said: “Josh was great. We know that he can take set plays – obviously Chrissy [Maguire] has done it for us too – and they are an important part of the game.
“We looked a real threat from setpieces, and in tight league games a set play can make the difference.
“Set plays are important at any level of football so it is important that the delivery is right and the movement is right, and it certainly was tonight.” Parkinson also praised the youngsters he picked, adding: “At the start, the game was quite frenetic but Dan [Neil] grew into the game and did well.
“I just said to him after the match that he needs to learn he doesn’t have to run every time he gets the ball, sometimes it is just a case of keeping it simple and waiting for the right moment. “I thought Jack [Diamond] stuck to his task particularly well. He is a very good crosser of the ball, he is getting a lot fitter and he is dangerous.
“He’s a player with pace who, when you break, can get from box to box quickly, and the good thing about him is that when he gets in there he can produce quality.
“And Morgan [Feeney] will be pleased with his contribution. It’s always good to see your centre-halves get a goal.
“He’s a good lad, he is mature in the way he plays, I’m pleased with him, and there’s more to come from him.”
We want selection problems, we want competition in all areas of the pitch ... I really want tough decisions
Phil Parkinson