Sunderland faced Oxford United in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon.
Habib Diarra’s first-half penalty proved the difference between the two teams and secured progression for Regis Le Bris’s side, in what proved to be a professional display in tricky conditions. Here’s how we rated all the Black Cats involved on the day...
5. LB - Dennis Cirkin
Had another very solid outing at left back. Won the penalty and made some good runs forward, while defended well against a lot of long balls. 7 Photo: Richard Sellers
6. CM - Lutsharel Geertruida
Had a slow start to the game but good in the second half, breaking up the play and moving it into dangerous areas. 6 | Chris Fryatt
7. CM - Enzo Le Fee
Worked hard in tough conditions in the middle of the pitch and showed real quality throughout. At the heart of Sunderland’s best play and caused Oxford problems. A professional and accomplished showing. 8 | Getty Images
8. CM - Habib Diarra
Struggled to get into the contest for the most part but took his penalty very well, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and finding the bottom corner confidently. 6 | Chris Fryatt