Habib Diarra's Spot-Kick Secures Sunderland's FA Cup Progress
In a rain-drenched encounter on the banks of a swollen River Thames, Sunderland comfortably booked their place in the FA Cup fifth round with a straightforward 1-0 victory over a lackluster Oxford United. The match, played in sodden conditions, lacked the traditional cup magic but saw Sunderland advance without undue exertion, thanks to a first-half penalty from Habib Diarra.
A Drab Affair in Wet Weather
With both teams fielding heavily rotated sides in a competition that is not their primary focus, this FA Cup tie was characterized by a slow tempo and minimal excitement. A crowd of 9,879 spectators braved the downpour to create a decent atmosphere, but on the pitch, the action was largely subdued. Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris made six changes from the previous defeat to Liverpool, while Oxford's Matt Bloomfield made nine alterations following a midweek loss to Norwich.
Oxford's Early Promise Fades
Oxford United, featuring Tottenham loanees Jamie Donley and Will Lankshear, started with some physicality, using their broad-shouldered lineup to contest duels effectively. Donley had the game's first real chance in the 18th minute, firing a left-footed effort that Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs punched clear after Lankshear's setup. However, Oxford's early foothold quickly dissipated as Sunderland took control.
Controversial Penalty Decides the Match
The breakthrough came on the half-hour mark when Sunderland's Denis Cirkin went down in the box under a challenge from Christ Makosso. Referee Thomas Kirk immediately pointed to the spot, awarding a penalty that many observers deemed soft, with no video assistant referee available to review the decision. Habib Diarra stepped up and calmly rolled a bobbling penalty into the right corner of Matt Ingram's net, giving Sunderland a lead they would not relinquish.
Home fans expressed their frustration, chanting "One-nil to the referee" as their hopes of a comeback dwindled. Oxford created a half-chance before halftime through a Will Vaulks long throw, but Makosso could only head wide. The second half failed to deliver any resurgence, with Sunderland dominating proceedings.
Sunderland's Dominance Seals the Win
Around the 60-minute mark, Sunderland should have extended their lead, with Romaine Mundle, Chemsdine Talbi, Trai Hume, and Nordi Mukiele all forcing Ingram into quick saves in quick succession. Oxford substitute Jamie McDonnell had a late opportunity to equalize but shot over from a good position. The match concluded with one final Vaulks long throw deflecting off Makosso's toe, symbolizing Oxford's toothless performance.
In the end, Sunderland's efficient display, highlighted by Diarra's clinical penalty, was enough to see them through to the next round, while Oxford United exited the competition with a whimper in the relentless rain.
