Tom Flanagan has paid tribute to Sunderland’s “game management” following last Saturday’s 1-0 Sky Bet League One success over Peterborough United at the Stadium of Light.
Grant Leadbitter’s late penalty eventually made the difference for the Lads, alongside an astute defensive display of which Flanagan was a significant part.
“I thought it was a good game, between two good teams who both played some nice football,” the centre-half said.
“I think we edged it in terms of our game management, and that bit of nous from what I would say is quite an experienced squad we’ve got right now.
“Peterborough have some very technically gifted players, and they’re good going forward. They’ll be there or thereabouts, so it was a big three points to take.”
The Black Cats remain yet to concede from open play so far this season, something Flanagan puts down to harmony as a defensive unit throughout the team.
“We’re pulling in the right direction defensively – that’s two clean sheets on the bounce now, after conceding from a penalty in our first game.
“I think we’ve been good. It’s a full-team thing, a lot has been said about Grant in that holding midfield role, because it enables us to get forward and attack. The more we attack, the less susceptible we are to conceding.”
“We’re all buzzing for Grant. I think a lot of the celebrations were as much as anything out of relief for him. He’s worked hard to get back to where he is, so it’s brilliant.”
Flanagan finally touched on the back-three system utilised by Phil Parkinson in recent weeks, and spoke highly of the mood in the camp as the Lads prepare to take on Charlton Athletic at The Valley this weekend.
“I like [the back three]. It’s my preferred way of playing,” the 28-year-old admitted.
“We’re looking forward to training and working on it every day, and we feel like we’re in such a good place as a whole team to get better.
“We have a full week of focus ahead of Charlton. We know that how we perform during the week is how we perform at the weekend, so we’re looking forward to getting back at it.”