Luke O'Nien's humble response but his Sunderland importance is rightfully recognised
Luke O'Nien's Wembley appearance lasted only 70 seconds but he was able to see the funny side after
Sunderland favourite Luke O’Nien humbly played down the ‘legend’ tag after the play-off final victory over Sheffield United, but rightfully saw his contributions for the club recognised all the same.
O’Nien, who joined the Black Cats from Wycombe Wanderers in 2018, lasted only 70 second at Wembley as he was forced off with a dislocated shoulder. Thankfully, he was able to watch on as his team-mates came from behind to beat the Blades 2-1 and earn a place in next season’s Premier League.
Though carrying his arm in a sling after having his shoulder popped back into place, it did not stop the enthusiastic star from celebrating heavily at full-time as promotion was achieved. Interviewed by Sky Sports though, he tried to play down his own significance as he joked about his lack of impact in the final.
“I don’t even know why you guys are interviewing me!” he joked. “To be fair, that’s probably my best ever game in a Sunderland top since I joined! I’m so proud of these boys. I can’t really believe what I’ve just seen. I’ve never had anxiety like that.
“I was quietly confident because we’ve done it all season, coming back from defeats. The way the first half panned out, they were just sitting there. At half-time, I went in and listened and the gaffer said to the boys, ‘just get one goal and the next one will follow’. The gaffer said it, we knew how important that next goal would be and oh my word…”
Told he’d just made himself a Sunderland legend, he humbly continued: “I haven’t done anything. It’s those boys. Tommy Watson, Sunderland legend. Those boys over there celebrating, Sunderland legends. I’m just delighted to have played a part in it.
“Today, I didn’t do anything! I didn’t play any part. I probably covered more distance when Eli scored than I did in my appearance today! Honestly, I’m so unbelievably grateful to be part of this club and be with these boys. I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.”
While O’Nien, who’s been at the club for seven years now, wouldn’t sing his own praises, rightfully, Sky Sports did. Their EFL expert Jobi McAnuff highlighted his overall importance to the team over the course of the season and beyond, and noted how his celebrations for the first goal referenced above encapsulated that.
McAnuff said: “He was very humble after saying he didn’t do anything. He’s been a key player again throughout the season. Even today, you see him in the celebrations after the first goal saying, ‘Come on lads, we can go and get another one. It’s not over yet’.
“He’s crucial, of course he is. He’s a leader, he drives the standards day in and day out. He deserves this as much as anybody in terms of the journey he’s been through with the club.”