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

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

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..

13. Sub - Granit Xhaka

Came on for ten minutes at the end but couldn’t find the moment of quality required, overhitting a cross and pass from a decent position. 5 | AFP via Getty Images

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

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

13. Sub - Granit Xhaka

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