Sunderland 1–0 Oxford: Diarra Penalty Sends Black Cats Into FA Cup Fifth Round

A composed Habib Diarra penalty sent Sunderland into the FA Cup fifth round after a controlled 1–0 victory over Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium.

After a slight dip in recent weeks, the Black Cats produced a professional display and thoroughly deserved their progression, with Regis Le Bris likely wondering how his side did not extend their lead earlier.

Championship strugglers Oxford, currently 23rd, failed to seriously threaten the Sunderland goal, with the gulf in quality between the sides evident across the 90 minutes. Goalkeeper Matt Ingram kept the scoreline respectable with a string of important saves, the only goal coming from the spot after a controversial penalty decision.

There was ultimately only one outcome, as the Premier League outfit advanced and Oxford exited the FA Cup to refocus on their relegation battle in the Championship.

Match Report

The hosts began brightly, putting Sunderland under early pressure and enjoying the better of the opening exchanges. However, without creating any clear-cut opportunities, Matt Bloomfield’s side gradually lost control as Sunderland settled into their rhythm.

Half-chances came and went for the visitors, with Wilson Isidor and Romain Mundle both going close, but the breakthrough arrived just after the half-hour mark.

Dennis Cirkin drove into the Oxford penalty area and was brought down by a clumsy challenge from Christ Makosso. Referee Thomas Kirk pointed to the spot, awarding Sunderland a penalty. Habib Diarra stepped up confidently and dispatched his effort into the bottom-right corner, sending Ingram the wrong way to give the Black Cats a 1–0 lead.

Oxford nearly equalised before the interval, as Makosso attempted to redeem himself. A long throw from Will Vaulks found the defender’s head, but his powerful effort drifted narrowly wide of the post.

Sunderland assumed greater control after the break, with their Premier League composure becoming increasingly evident. Oxford struggled to impose themselves as the visitors created a steady flow of chances.

Romain Mundle threatened again, while Chemsdine Talbi forced a smart long-range save from Ingram. The Oxford goalkeeper was called into action repeatedly, denying Eliezer Mayenda’s low drive and tipping away Nordi Mukiele’s downward header to keep the contest alive.

Oxford’s best opportunity came through substitute Jamie McDonell, but he failed to keep his volley down from close range when the ball sat up invitingly inside the area.

The final stages followed a familiar pattern: Sunderland controlled possession, Oxford searched for momentum, but the visitors looked comfortable. Although they could not find a second goal, it mattered little.

Le Bris’ side saw out the 1–0 victory professionally, progressing into the FA Cup fifth round and maintaining momentum in what has already been an impressive campaign.

For Oxford, it is five games without a win and another setback in a challenging season. Attention now firmly turns back to their fight for Championship survival.

Man of the Match: Luke O’Nien