Sunderland fans have praised former Rangers striker Kyle Lafferty for making an impact off the bench in their Saturday afternoon victory over Ipswich Town.
The Black Cats came into the game eager to get back to winning ways after a defeat to Portsmouth last weekend but found themselves lacking potency at the Stadium of Light.
In search of a goal, Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson turned to former Rangers striker Lafferty. (Photo by Chris Vaughan – CameraSport via Getty Images)
That is, until January signing, Lafferty, was introduced in the 79th minute.
Replacing midfielder, Denver Hume, it was just his fourth appearance for his new club – all of which have come from the bench.
In typical fashion, the Northern Ireland international was keen to compete aerially and to put defenders under pressure.
Just two minutes after the substitution, he played a part in what would prove to be the winning goal.
On the edge of the penalty box, Lafferty got a small touch on a pass from Charlie Wyke, before Chris Maguire fired a low shot into the bottom right corner, sparking jubilation amongst the home fans.
It may have been more a bad piece of control from Lafferty rather than an intentional layoff, but he got the assist nonetheless.
Destination: Town 📍 pic.twitter.com/vloT0BhGa2
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) February 8, 2020
After the game, plenty of Sunderland fans were quick to praise the former Ger for changing the dynamic of the game and helping to secure a valuable three points.
Here’s a selection of reactions from Twitter:
https://twitter.com/TomMillerUK/status/1226207793948102659
Tell you what though. The intro of Lafferty was just the ticket. The guy wins headers on his knees and ain’t no pushover either.
— Metrognome (@Soulakiotis) February 8, 2020
Thats why lafferty should be getting a chance to start
— steven ramshaw (@SteveRamshaw) February 8, 2020
Worked wonders! In terms of formation, Gooch has gone to lwb, Wyke and Lafferty are strikers with Maguire in the 10 role behind them https://t.co/KXUryvahdP
— Craig Johns (@craig_johns) February 8, 2020
Lafferty coming on 80 minutes too late.
— Jake (@ThisIsJakeJ) February 8, 2020
Wyke looked knackered today, surely Lafferty starts on Tuesday. I’d be tempted to start Scowen/John(if fit) on Tuesday. Freshen things up a bit. #SAFC
— TheRokerEnd (@TheRokerEnd) February 8, 2020
Good win, take them all day,but Wyke was/is horrendous, Lafferty done better in the 10mins he had than CW all game
— David Hamblin (@hamftm) February 8, 2020
The Black Cats are now sixth in the EFL League One table, just eight points behind leaders Rotherham with a game in hand.