Luke O’Nien kicked off the new campaign at Sunderland with his first goal of the season.
The defender was named club captain earlier this month, while Dan Neil claimed the team captain’s armband.
While it suggested O’Nien wasn’t going to be a regular fixture in Sunderland’s starting line-up, he did resume his usual position in the opening clash with Cardiff City.
The 29-year-old took just over half an hour to get off the mark, with a lovely free-kick from Patrick Roberts nodded down by Dennis Cirkin, for O’Nien to head home from close range.
Jack Clarke went onto score the second on, with the pair claiming the Black Cats an important three points to kickstart the season.
O’Nien thanks Dennis Cirkin for his ‘annual tap in’
O’Nien took over three months to score his first last term but will be delighted that he was able to make an instant impact in Wales.
The centre-back took to Instagram to share a hilarious message following his goal, writing: “My annual tap in courtesy of @dennis cirkin ❤️⚽️. Tag your mate that would miss this from a yard out 🤪”.
Should O’Nien keep his place in Sunderland’s XI?
O’Nien’s place in the team was guaranteed due to Dan Ballard’s injury, but it would still be very surprising if he doesn’t keep his spot for a majority of the campaign.
He has been a constant under each manager we have had and has often been a key part to the organisation and leadership of a very young team.
O’Nien played ‘very well’ against Cardiff, making more clearances than any other player (5), as well as winning 100% of his headers and making two interceptions.
O’Nien is often scapegoated for Sunderland’s poor performances, but he was arguably one of the better performers last term and looks set to make a positive impact under Regis Le Bris too.
He is likely to compete with Aji Alese for most of the campaign, but if they both continue impressing in Ballard’s absence then it might be the Arsenal academy product that is struggling to force his way back in.
The 24-year-old is one of the Black Cats’ best players and has just penned a new deal at the Stadium of Light, but there is every chance O’Nien and Alese could form a brilliant partnership in the coming weeks.
While the latter was initially expected to compete with Cirkin for the left-back spot, Saturday’s display makes it clear that he will not be budging now that he is fit.