Luke O’Nien has ‘never seen’ before what Sunderland star did against Bristol City, he is ‘incredible’

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Sunderland’s 2-1 defeat against Bristol City was witness to one of the Championship goal of the Season contenders.

Bristol City beat Sunderland 2-1 on Good Friday in a dramatic top-six Championship affair.

In-form Sunderland full-back Trai Hume was sent off with just minutes played, after tripping up Nahki Wells, in a decision that was deemed as “harsh”.

Bristol City came back from one goal behind to secure all three points thanks to quality finishes from Rob Dickie and Ross McCrorie.

However, before the Robins’ duo cemented their comeback win, Sunderland striker Eliezer Mayenda scored a breathtaking solo goal that earned lofty praise from his teammate.

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Luke O’Nien had ‘never seen’ what Sunderland striker did against Bristol City

On the edge of his side’s box, Mayenda took control of the ball and charged full-tilt at the Bristol City defence, beat five defenders who lunged in to stop him, weaved inside towards the 12-yard mark on his favoured left foot and rifled past Max O’Leary.

Liam Manning’s tried, but failed, to stop the Spaniard as he notched his eighth goal of the Championship campaign.

The physicality, pace, prowess and composure on show from the 19-year-old striker was not only an incredible goal – worthy of goal of the season contention – but a remarkable reminder of the striker’s development under Regis Le Bris.

Mayenda arrived at Sunderland in 2023 for an £800k fee from FC Sochaux, and failed to score in his first full season last term, with the Black Cats and during his short loan stint at Hibernian.

Buoyed by the Frenchman’s arrival, Mayenda has become a different prospect altogether, notching 13 direct goal contributions in just 21 Championship starts this season.

The youngster’s breathtaking solo run was the latest magical moment in his breakout campaign, which teammate O’Nien admitted after the game he’d ‘never seen a player’ do what Mayenda did against Bristol City.

O’Nien told SAFC.com: “It’s pretty comfortably the best goal I’ve ever seen live,

“I’d be amazed if I saw that topped. It’s not even a surprise because we’ve seen him do that in training. He’s sharp, and his temperament is incredible.

“I’ve never seen a player receive the ball 70 yards from goal and think, ‘he’s going to score here’. That just shows what sort of player we’ve got.

“I’ve really enjoyed seeing him develop. Since the day he joined, he’s worked hard and earned his opportunity.

“He didn’t have the easiest of starts, but he’s a perfect example of what it takes for any young player to succeed. He’s reaping the rewards of his hard work, and it’s great to see.”

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Eliezer Mayenda must keep Sunderland starting XI spot at striker over Wilson Isidor

Le Bris told SAFC.com after the game: “Eliezer has improved a lot. He is talented and wants to improve, and we are creating good conditions for him.”

Truer words could not be spoken by the Black Cats boss. To go from failing to find the net all season long last term, to becoming Sunderland’s second-highest goals and assist contributor in less than 12 months is a remarkable rise, with Mayenda showing no signs of faltering.

Fellow frontman Wilson Isidor has endured a barren run, failing to find the net since his strike at Leeds United in February, with fans bemoaning his recent performances.

Mayenda’s displays, from the start or as an impact substitute, have been far more effective than Isidor’s and has warranted him retaining his starting XI spot against Blackburn Rovers on Monday.

The Spanish youth international is on fire following his Robins wondergoal, and could be just the fuel needed to reignite the Black Cats’ play-off push.