The Sunderland captain reacted to a potential fifth-round tie and reflected on a physical afternoon after being named man of the match
Luke O’Nien delivered a confident six-word message when asked about a possible fifth-round tie against Newcastle United after Sunderland progressed past Oxford United in the FA Cup.
The defender started at centre-back and was later named man of the match following an assured display as Régis Le Bris’ side booked their place in the next round.
Speaking to TNT Sports, O’Nien first reflected on the physical nature of the contest. “It was. We knew it would be, and it was. Listen, I know their manager very well. I’m good friends with him, I’ve played against him, and I know a few of their boys from last year. We know what they’re like and they gave us a hell of a fight. It was. A lot of respect for them. But we edged it and I’m proud of the boys.”
Sunderland pushed for a second goal after the break but had to stay alert at the back.“Yeah. Listen, they’re a very strong team. Very well organised. It’s hard to break them down. But we kept plugging away. As defenders, you’ve got to stay on your toes and be ready when called upon.”
O’Nien also admitted he enjoyed his battle with Oxford United striker Will Lankshear. “Yeah, I loved it. We were chatting throughout the whole game. He gave me a few elbows to the mouth, I gave him a couple back, that’s what football’s about. It’s about competing and enjoying it. But of course, you want to come out on the winning side. I’m sure we’ll have many more battles in the future.”
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On the wet surface, he said: “No. I actually think the pitch being quite wet helped, it kind of smoothed it out a bit. The boys have got a lot of quality. You saw it in some of the touches. You can play on anything, and we were good today.”
Looking ahead, he added: “Yeah, we’re in a good position now. We’re a good team. We said in the changing room before the game that we’re a good team, now we’ve got to step up and become a great team. Great teams get the details right again and again, on whatever pitch, in whatever stadium. We’re getting there.”
When the prospect of drawing Newcastle United in the fifth round of the FA Cup after the Magpies defeated Aston Villa earlier this weekend was put to him, his answer was direct. “We’ll take anyone. Bring them on,” O’Nien told TNT after the game.
With Sunderland twice FA Cup winners - in 1937 and famously in 1973 - every step in this competition carries added resonance, with supporters keen for a cup run following an impressive return to the Premier League after last season’s promotion from the Championship.
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