Sunderland picked up a vital three points in the Championship on Saturday, beating Alex Neil’s Millwall 1-0 on Wearside.
Sunderland made an all important return to winning ways on Saturday afternoon, beating Millwall 1-0 thanks to an unlikely Trai Hume volley in the first half, coming after a well-worked set piece from Regis Le Bris’ men.
It’s a win that follows on from Sunderland’s 3-0 defeat at Coventry City before the break though not every player was super impressive in the game against the Lions, with a handful of players failing to impress whilst others shone.
Patrick Roberts has had his critics at Sunderland this season but he was arguably the star man against Millwall. Meanwhile, Jobe Bellingham put in another standout performance after his impressive performances with England U21s during the break.
But Gary Bennett was full of praise for an unlikely Sunderland man after the Millwall win; for someone whose performance might well have gone under the radar somewhat.
- READ MORE: Sunderland fans are all saying the same thing about Wilson Isidor after 1-0 win vs Millwall
Gary Bennett hails Alan Browne performance after Sunderland 1-0 Millwall
Fans were surprised to see Alan Browne in the starting XI against Millwall, and even more surprised to see him slotting in at right-back with Hume on the left, and Cirkin out of the squad with another injury blow. But the experienced summer signing fitted into his new role with ease as Browne put in a very decent shift.
A central midfielder by trade, Browne used his expertise of the Championship to make a seamless return to the XI in an unfamiliar role, and credit must of course go to Le Bris for having the nous and also the bravery to put Browne in that role, with injuries having taken over Sunderland once again.
Speaking on Total Sport after the game, Bennett hailed Browne’s performance, saying: “That’s a great sign. He’s used his experience. He’s gone in, he’s slotted in at right-back and it seems as though he’s been playing there all season. He just got on with the job.”
Alan Browne’s stats for Sunderland vs Millwall, he was really solid
Sunderland signed Browne on a free transfer last summer and the Republic of Ireland international was let go by Championship rivals Preston after a successful 10 year spell where he made a staggering 414 total appearances.
He now has 16 Championship appearances for Sunderland and one goal, after Browne suffered a leg fracture earlier in the season. But his stats against Millwall show he’s back to his best, and showcase how good he can be defensively…
| Statistic | Alan Browne vs Millwall |
| Touches | 61 |
| Passes completed | 25 |
| Pass % | 89% |
| Defensive actions | 9 |
| Tackles | 4 |
| Interceptions | 3 |
| Clearances | 2 |
With Cirkin having been in poor form for several weeks, and with Hume capable at left-back, Le Bris may now be wondering whether Browne and Hume are his best options at full-back going into the final seven games of the season.
Sunderland travel to West Brom next Saturday.