Sunderland secured their place in the FA Cup fifth round with a narrow 1-0 victory over Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium. Habib Diarra's first-half penalty was enough to separate the sides on a rain-soaked afternoon, though the scoreline flattered the visitors, who rarely needed to exert themselves against a much-changed Oxford lineup.
Both teams made multiple alterations, with Oxford boss Matt Bloomfield making nine changes from their midweek Championship defeat to Norwich. The home side showed improvement, with Jamie Donley and Will Lankshear, both on loan from Tottenham, making their presence felt in physical duels. Donley had the first chance of the game, forcing a save from Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs after Lankshear held up play.
Sunderland took the lead in the 30th minute when a challenge by Christ Makosso on Dennis Cirkin was adjudged a penalty. Referee Thomas Kirk pointed to the spot immediately, and Diarra rolled the ball into the right corner despite a bobbling run-up. Oxford fans chanted 'One-nil to the referee' as the home side felt aggrieved. Kirk had no VAR to review the decision.
Oxford created chances either side of the interval, with Makosso heading wide from a Will Vaulks long throw before the break, and Jamie McDonnell shooting over after another set-piece. Sunderland, however, controlled much of the second half, with Romaine Mundle, Chemsdine Talbi, Trai Hume, and Nordi Mukiele all forcing saves from Matthew Ingram.
Bloomfield lamented a lack of luck with decisions, including an offside call against Lankshear. 'We're not getting these decisions at the minute,' he said. 'But when we come in on Tuesday we're going to work hard because we want to repeat this level of performance.' Sunderland boss Régis Le Bris praised his side's game management, noting the importance of scoring and handling Oxford's physical approach.
