Sunderland fans have had plenty to say about one player after watching their side come from two goals down at Swansea City.
Sunderland looked dead and buried at half-time against Swansea City. Regis Le Bris’ side were woeful in the opening stages and were two goals behind after just 17 minutes.
Dan Ballard pulled one back before the break though. Then Dan Neil scored a stunning strike from range before Jobe Bellingham pushed home the third.
The Black Cats now sit in 3rd place of the Championship table and just two points behind Leeds United in 2nd.
Sunderland fans hail Dan Neil after Swansea City comeback win
Sunderland fans have been critical of Neil at times this season. Particularly earlier in the campaign, Neil was getting pelters from some supporters. But he certainly shone against Swansea.
Several comments from Sunderland fans on X said Neil was ‘back to his best’ against Swansea City, with one even saying it was Neil’s ‘best game of the season’.
The 23-year-old Sunderland academy gradate was also labelled ‘absolutely outstanding’ against the Swans, with another adding that Neil’s ‘redemption arc is in full swing’ after his previous poor form.
One comment read: “Hope Dan Neil can finally get the praise he deserves been unreal the past three games, by far the standout and captain we need – people need to stop doubting the boy.”
A similar comment from a Sunderland fan read: “Dan Neil last couple of games has been unreal btw! Due a goal.”
Marco Gabbiadini’s previous comments on Dan Neil are now very interesting
In Sunderland’s 2-1 defeat against Watford earlier in the season, Neil was the target of some widespread abuse on social media.
After seeing it all unfold, former Black Cats striker Marco Gabbiadini defended Neil at Sunderland, despite him giving away a needless penalty that lead to the defeat that day.
Gabbiadini said: “Some of the negativity; it’s a sign of the times unfortunately, where people just go overboard.”
But Neil spurred his side on to win at Swansea City with a stunning goal and a performance to match.