Ian Evatt felt Sunderland had only one opportunity in the clash against his Bolton Wanderers side as he praised the impact that Dion Charles and Dapo Afolayan had in the 6-0 thrashing.
Charles put Wanderers ahead before Afolayan added a second before half-time.
Charles bagged his second after the break before Kieran Lee added a fourth as Wanderers blitzed the Black Cats.
READ MORE: Bolton Wanderers player ratings as Dion Charles and Dapo Afolayan brilliant in Sunderland rout
Danny Batth put through his own net to add a fifth for the hosts before Declan John rounded off the win with a sublime sixth goal as a rampant Wanderers made it three victories on the bounce in League One.
The only time the clean sheet came under threat was after the break when James Trafford denied Sunderland substitute Jack Clarke, which Evatt was pleased with it being the only time Wanderers might have been breached as he praised the strike partnership of Charles and Afolayan.
He said: "They had one opportunity where a bit of a break of the ball and Marlon (Fossey) didn’t quite track his runner, but James (Trafford) credit to him, a young goalkeeper enjoying us playing the way we were to stay switched on and concentrating and make that save was brilliant, but I think that was really the only opportunity they had, which was pleasing.
“We understood that if we’re playing two strikers against two central defenders, then you have to make that pay and they’re both physically strong and quick, Dion and Dapo and we wanted them running down the sides of their two centre backs.
"They did that exceptionally well.
“Any team can only function and is only as good as their strikers and today our strikers were outstanding.
“That’s something that we speak a lot about and pride ourselves on is our brand and identity and the philosophy and our way and my way and when it comes to fruition like that, you’re really pleased.
“I hope everyone will look at that today and really enjoy what they’ve seen.”
Kieran Sadlier also came on for his Wanderers debut after his move before the weekend from Rotherham United and Evatt believes the attacking midfielder adds to the strength in depth in the squad.
Wanderers have eight games in a busy February and a Saturday-Tuesday fixture list, and Evatt believes he now has the squad to cope with the matches coming thick and fast.
Evatt said: “He (Sadlier) can play in multiple positions, a technically good football player, athletic, he can run. He gives us some serious strength in depth.
“It’s a busy month and we’ve got eight games and lots of hard work to go. Tuesday is a really important game and we’ve got to regroup and refocus for then, but we’ve now got a squad capable of changing things around and keeping people fresh.
"That’s going to be vitally important for this month and when you get the chance, they need to step up to the plate because everyone is now chomping at the bit.
"We’ve changed the dynamic in the dressing room, the lads are really together, they’re a really good group, hungry for success and long may that continue.”
