Moyes praises young Black Cats despite Boro defeat, and one in particular

Follow us on Google Discover

The Scottish manager singled out American Lynden Gooch for special praise

Sunderland manager David Moyes before the match

Speaking to the Sunderland Echo, Sunderland manager David Moyes has praised his young Black Cats, singling out American winger Lynden Gooch for special praise despite their 2-1 home defeat to Middlesbrough on Sunday.

Sunderland were undone by a Christhian Stuani double at the Stadium of Light, with the Uruguayan forward having a Premier League debut to remember after he netted stunning opener from all of 25 yards, before doubling his tally following unselfish play by Alvaro Negredo, who set up both of Boro’s goals.

Middlesbrough’s opening strike came completely against the run of play as David Moyes sought to take the game to their local rivals, but they were unable to find a way past Brad Guzan until Patrick van Aanholt struck midway through the second period.

Sunderland’s Lynden Gooch received special praise from Moyes

But despite the disappointing result, Moyes has found positives in the performances of some of his younger stars.

“We talked about the young players and they were full out,” said the Sunderland manager.

“Young Gooch did terrifically in the second half, Duncan Watmore attempted to take people on.

“I thought Adnan Januzaj had some really good moments getting to the byline and beating people. I think there was an awful lot of good things to talk about.

“They tell me that the little boy Gooch, he can do two or three jobs. He can play off the sides, he can play in the middle.

“I just felt at half-time I needed to see if we could get a better control and play a bit quicker.”

Middlesbrough’s Christian Stuani celebrates

Moyes is still looking for his first win at his new club having taken over from now England boss Sam Allardyce earlier this summer.

The Black Cats were unlucky not to take any points off Manchester City in their opening fixture, as they were only to be denied by an unfortunate late own goal by Paddy McNair.

Middlesbrough won the game 2-1

The former Everton manager will have the chance to win his first competitive match at Sunderland on Wednesday when they take on Shrewsbury in the EFL Cup, before facing Southampton in the Premier League next weekend.