Sunderland secured a dramatic passage into the fourth round of the FA Cup after goalkeeper Robin Roefs saved all three of Everton's penalties in a tense shootout at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday, 10 January 2026.
Late Drama Forces Extra Time
The match seemed destined to end in normal time with Sunderland leading, thanks to a brilliant first-half strike from Enzo Le Fee. However, Everton, managed by David Moyes, snatched a late lifeline in the 89th minute. Teenage substitute Adam Aznou, a £7.8million summer signing making his senior debut, won a penalty which James Garner calmly converted to force extra time.
The equaliser was contentious, with Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka visibly furious at the decision, but it set the stage for a gruelling additional 30 minutes. This was the last thing a severely depleted Everton needed, with injuries, AFCON commitments, and suspensions leaving Moyes with just 12 senior players.
Roefs the Shootout Hero
With no further goals in extra time, the tie was decided from the spot. Sunderland's first three takers—Le Fee, Granit Xhaka, and Luke O'Nien—all scored confidently. In stark contrast, Everton's efforts were woeful. Roefs dove to save attempts from Garner, Thierno Barry, and Beto, whose stuttering run-ups lacked conviction.
The Dutch goalkeeper's triple save sent Sunderland into the fourth round for only the second time in 11 seasons, while delivering a hammer blow to Everton's cup ambitions.
Squad Depths Tell the Tale
The gulf in resources between the sides was evident. While promoted Sunderland could make five changes and still have established names on the bench, Everton's crisis was profound. Absences totalled nine players, forcing Moyes to field a bench where five of six academy players had never featured before.
Earlier, Sunderland had dominated large periods. After Le Fee's exquisite volley put them ahead, they threatened to extend their lead, with Jordan Pickford making fine saves from Nordi Mukiele and Romaine Mundle. Everton's lacklustre performance only sparked into life after Aznou's introduction, highlighting the struggles of a battle-weary squad.
The result is a significant boost for Sunderland and manager Regis Le Bris, while Everton are left to rue another premature cup exit and a deepening injury crisis.
