The moments you may have missed as Sunderland faced Oxford United away in the FA Cup fourth round
Sunderland are into the FA Cup fifth round, but as is often the case in these ties, the full story stretched beyond the headline moments.
There were small flashpoints, subtle shifts in control and one or two individual performances that shaped the afternoon without necessarily dominating it. Some were easy to spot. Others were quieter, tucked between the bigger talking points.
With Sunderland twice FA Cup winners - in 1937 and famously in 1973 - every step in this competition carries added resonance, with supporters keen for a cup run following an impressive return to the Premier League after last season’s promotion from the Championship.
Here are the moments you may have missed before, during and after Sunderland’s clash withOxford United at the Kassam Stadium:
Uncertainty surrounds Oxford United vs Sunderland
There had been genuine uncertainty around kick-off long before the teams emerged. Heavy rainfall across the south had raised doubts over whether the tie would go ahead as scheduled, with concerns growing on Sunday morning about the state of the pitch at the Kassam Stadium. A lunchtime inspection was planned for 12pm, followed by a further check at 1pm as conditions continued to be monitored.
With travelling supporters already en route and both squads preparing as normal, there was an anxious wait for confirmation. Ultimately, after both inspections were completed, the surface was deemed playable and the match was given the green light to proceed.
Régis Le Bris names strong squad against Oxford United
Régis Le Bris’ team selection offered one of the clearest indications yet that Sunderland are intent on attacking this competition properly.
Despite making changes from the side beaten by Liverpool in midweek, the head coach retained a strong core of senior players. Robin Roefs continued in goal, while Trai Hume returned at right-back and Nordi Mukiele shifted into central defence. Dan Ballard was afforded a rest and Omar Alderete was not risked due to a minor foot issue, with Luke O’Nien coming in. Dennis Cirkin replaced Reinildo on the left.
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In midfield, Lutsharel Geertruida anchored the trio in place of Noah Sadiki, with Enzo Le Fée and Habib Diarra operating ahead of him. Chemsdine Talbi and Romaine Mundle kept their wide roles, while Wilson Isidor was recalled to start up front. Brian Brobbey was among the options on the bench. Jocelin Ta Bi was named in a matchday squad for the first time since his January move, giving the attacker the opportunity to make his Sunderland debut.
Tempers flare after interesting first half between Oxford and Sunderland
Just before the interval there was a brief flare-up that added a bit of bite to proceedings. Habib Diarra, who put Sunderland ahead in the first half with a penalty, and Cameron Brannagan became tangled, with a push and pull between the pair prompting the referee to intervene. Both were given a talking to, but no cards followed and the situation cooled quickly, the two players shaking hands before play restarted.
There was also a moment of concern for Sunderland seconds before half-time when Le Fée went down holding his right elbow. The midfielder required attention on the turf, leading to a few anxious glances from the bench as the whistle approached. However, the Frenchman recovered to play the rest of the game, much to the relief of Sunderland fans.
At the break, Oxford’s frustrations were directed firmly at the officials. The decision to award Sunderland a first-half penalty had angered the home side, although replays suggested the officiating team had little choice. The U’s also voiced complaints about a Le Fée challenge earlier in the half that resulted in a yellow card, feeling the incident could have been judged differently.
Luke O’Nien’s amusing post-match admission
O’Nien summed up the tone of parts of the afternoon afterwards. Smiling, he admitted Will Lankeshear had caught him with “a few elbows” during their duel, adding that he was more than happy to return the favour. He said he loved every second of it, a reflection of the edge to the contest at times.
The first half lacked fluency from Sunderland. The tempo felt off and Oxford were able to disrupt the rhythm. After the break, though, there was a clear improvement. The passing sharpened up, the movement was better and the control followed. Jocelin Ta Bi’s second-half introduction was another detail worth noting. It is early days, but he looked bright and comfortable in possession after coming on.
Oxford deserve credit for the way they approached it and never allowed the game to drift away from them, while Romaine Mundle produced one of Sunderland’s more assured displays on the afternoon. The reward is a place in the fifth round for the first time since the 2014-15 season.
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