[Oxford United](https://lastwordonsports.com/football/2026/02/15/oxford-united-vs-sunderland-confirmed-lineups/) exited the FA Cup with a 1-0 home defeat against Premier League outfit, Sunderland.
The U’s battled hard but a first-half penalty for the visitors was enough to seal the result.
Here are three talking points from the game.
**Read More**: [Team News, Form and Predicted Line-Up as Oxford United Welcome Sunderland](https://lastwordonsports.com/football/2026/02/14/team-news-form-predicted-line-up-oxford-united-sunderland/)
Oxford United Lose Against Sunderland
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### Returning Players
Despite it being a disaster against Norwich, Matt Bloomfield stuck with a back four but there was a change in personnel and the players looked much more comfortable.
There was a cup start for goalkeeper Matt Ingram, who was arguably Oxford’s best player, making several stops in the game, while there were starts for Jeon Jin-woo and Jamie Donley, with the latter returning from injury.
Also back from injury was Jack Currie, with the defender putting in a good display in defence.
### Bright Start
Oxford will be pleased with the way they started this game and put in a decent display against the in-form Black Cats.
Admittedly, the final third is where the U’s continue to struggle but across the rest of the park, they went toe-to-toe with the Premier League outfit and ended the game defiant in defeat.
### Controversial Decisions
However, you could argue that the game was decided on two controversial decisions on the day.
The referee awarded Sunderland a penalty on the 30-minute mark when Christ Makosso made a challenge in the box. From one angle it looked like he got a toe on the ball but whichever way you look at it, it was a challenge that didn’t need to be made.
At the other end, Will Lankshear broke through and got past the defender but the official blew up for a foul before the Spurs loanee slotted home what would have been a deserved equaliser.
It was an afternoon where Oxford didn’t quite get the rub of the green but will be pleased with their display.
_Featured image courtesy of IMAGO / IPS_