Sunderland shocked the city during the 2013/14 season when they were drawn both Chelsea and Manchester United in the Capital One Cup and still progressed to the final at Wembley Stadium.
They faced the Blues in an intense December clash that saw Frank Lampard hand the visitors the lead just after half-time, before a late goal from Fabio Borini and an 118th minute winner for Ki Sung-yeung handed Sunderland a place in the semi-finals.
The Black Cats then drew Manchester United who – while they weren’t as good as they once were – were definitely the favourites over Sunderland, who sat glued to the foot of the Premier League table.
Gus Poyet’s side were at home in the first leg and took a lead to Old Trafford, but it was the dramatic penalty shoot-out in Manchester that sent fans into hysterics.
Despite a late extra-time goal from Phil Bardsley, the Red Devils took the game to penalties thanks to an equaliser by Javier Hernandez two minutes later.
Sunderland never would have expected to miss three penalties and still win, but Manchester United’s Darren Fletcher was the only one to score for the home side and Marcos Alonso and Ki won it for the Wearside club.
The final between Sunderland and Manchester City was highly anticipated in the north-east and an early goal at Wembley from Borini set the stadium on fire. Fans began to believe they could actually win this as they went into half-time still 1-0 up.
However, Manchester City were Manchester City and a wonder goal from Yaya Toure, followed by goals for Samir Nasri and Keylor Navas confirmed the trophy was returning with the Sky Blues to Manchester.
A disappointing loss but what a journey it was for Sunderland and Gus Poyet.
5. LB - Marcos Alonso
Marcos Alonso has enjoyed a hugely successful career since his loan spell with Sunderland ended. The defender returned to Italy and became a regular with Fiorentina before signing for Chelsea in a deal with £24 million. The Spaniard has since won the Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League and Europa League with the Blues. Photo: ADRIAN DENNIS
6. Sunderland's English midfielder Lee Cattermole (R) clears the ball behind Manchester City's Belgian defender Vincent Kompany (L) during the League Cup final football match between Manchester City and Sunderland at Wembley Stadium in London on March 2, 2014. AFP PHOTO / ADRIAN DENNIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Lee Cattermole stuck by Sunderland as they endured back-to-back relegations and remained on Wearside for ten years before joining Dutch side VVV-Venlo. The midfielder had a successful spell in Holland before he was released in 2020 and announced his retirement in August that year. The former captain has since been earning his coaching badges and was reportedly set to join Middlesbrough on a full-time basis this season working with the under-15s and under-16s. Photo: ADRIAN DENNIS
7. CM - Jack Colback
Jack Colback became one of the most disliked men in Sunderland when he opted to join Newcastle United on a free in 2014 - despite spending 15 years with the Black Cats. Colback's time with the Magpies started off well before going downhill and was subsequently sent out on loan twice to Nottingham Forest in 2018. The midfielder was released in 2020 and he signed for the Championship club on a permanent deal. Photo: ADRIAN DENNIS
8. CM - Seb Larsson
After six years with Sunderland, Larsson joined Hull City following the Black Cats relegation. The midfielder spent another year in England before returning to Sweden with AIK. Larsson has since won the league with the Allsvenskan club. Photo: ADRIAN DENNIS