Had an eventful game. Made a brilliant header away from his own line after an O’Nien backpass almost flew in, but couldn’t get a good enough connection on the header from Ben Waine that followed. Booked in the second half when he took out George Hall breaking through on goal. 5 placeholder image
Had an eventful game. Made a brilliant header away from his own line after an O’Nien backpass almost flew in, but couldn’t get a good enough connection on the header from Ben Waine that followed. Booked in the second half when he took out George Hall breaking through on goal. 5 | Frank Reid

Phil Smith's Sunderland player ratings v Port Vale as 4s and 5s dominate in dire FA Cup exit

Phil Smith
By Phil Smith

Sunderland AFC Writer

Published 8th Mar 2026, 15:43 GMT

Sunderland faced Port Vale in the fifth round of the FA Cup at Vale Park

Sunderland were dumped out of the FA Cup by Port Vale on Sunday afternoon.

Injuries and suspensions left Le Bris with a threadbare squad to manage, though he stuck to his word in selecting the strongest XI possible. Sunderland delivered a poor display and were deservedly knocked out after Ben Waine’s first-half goal. Here’s how we rated all the Black Cats involved on the day..

One of the few Sunderland players who was clearly right up for the physical contest and did a lot of good stuff in the game, including a brilliant late challenge on George Hall. It was his poor backpass, however, that led to the run of corners from which Port Vale scored. 5

5. LB - Luke O'Nien

One of the few Sunderland players who was clearly right up for the physical contest and did a lot of good stuff in the game, including a brilliant late challenge on George Hall. It was his poor backpass, however, that led to the run of corners from which Port Vale scored. 5 | Getty Images

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One or two promising runs in the first half, chipping wide from a fairly promising position. Quiet in the second and one of a few who didn’t bring the quality they undoubtedly have for the most part. 4

6. CM - Habib Diarra

One or two promising runs in the first half, chipping wide from a fairly promising position. Quiet in the second and one of a few who didn’t bring the quality they undoubtedly have for the most part. 4 Photo: Danny Lawson

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Put in some excellent set plays that should have yielded at least one goal from a Sunderland perspective. Tried to get on the ball and dictate from deep but struggled in the conditions. 5

7. CM - Enzo Le Fee

Put in some excellent set plays that should have yielded at least one goal from a Sunderland perspective. Tried to get on the ball and dictate from deep but struggled in the conditions. 5 | Getty Images

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Not a pitch on which he could show his clever play but will be disappointed he couldn’t make a bigger impression in his favoured position. Looked more dangerous when moved out to the right in the second half for a spell, putting in one or two decent deliveries before his withdrawal. 4

8. CM - Chris Rigg

Not a pitch on which he could show his clever play but will be disappointed he couldn’t make a bigger impression in his favoured position. Looked more dangerous when moved out to the right in the second half for a spell, putting in one or two decent deliveries before his withdrawal. 4 | Getty Images

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