Sunderland see off Oxford United but make hard work of FA Cup tie

The Black Cats progressed to the Fifth Round thanks to a Habib Diarra penalty in the first half against their Championship opponents.

FA Cup ties away at lower league opposition always look like formalities on paper for Premier League sides. And yet, they often turn out to be much more difficult than they appear, but not always because of footballing factors. Sunderland making the trip to Championship side Oxford United was a classic example of this.

The rain lashed down in Oxford and the pitch at the Kassam Stadium was extremely heavy. Not so long ago, this was the norm for Sunderland as they fought their way out of the second tier, but now the Black Cats have become accustomed to the luxuries of the Premier League.

Régis Le Bris made changes to his line up to face Oxford, confident that his squad would be good enough to find their way past the Yellows, and not get bogged down by the weather and the surface. Le Bris was right, and Sunderland did enough, but they were involved in what turned into a proper FA Cup tie.

Oxford certainly let Sunderland know they were there, with plenty of physicality on display throughout the encounter. Ultimately though, that physicality would prove costly for the home side, with the only goal of the game coming from the penalty spot. Christ Makosso brought down Dennis Cirkin in the box, and Habib Diarra converted.

That penalty came as a big frustration for Oxford, who felt they were short changed by of a number of refereeing decisions throughout the first half, in particular a foul by Sunderland midfielder Enzo Le Fée, which saw him booked. Those of an Oxford persuasion wanted Le Fée to be given his marching orders by referee Thomas Kirk, but that was not to be.

Into the second period, Sunderland had chances to kill Oxford off as the hosts began to tire, but Matt Ingram was equal to everything thrown at him. This gave Oxford a glimmer of hope, that they just might be able to force the game into extra time. They launched balls forward, but Robin Roefs never looked in any real danger in the final moments.

Sunderland would have liked more goals, but Oxford stood firm against their Premier League opponents and remained in the contest right until the end. Whilst they did not test Roefs to the extent they would have liked, it was a valiant display that the home supporters would have appreciated it amongst their struggles in the Championship.

There have been some suggestions that the FA Cup could be a distraction for Sunderland this season, given their Premier League ambitions, but Régis Le Bris would seem to be giving the cup the respect it deserves, and was very pleased at his side’s progression.

Sunderland are no strangers to Wembley after last season, and now many of their supporters may be dreaming of a return there this year. A positive draw for the Fifth Round may well open the door for the Black Cats to continue their progression.