Enzo Le Fée scare at Oxford as Habib Diarra and Luke O’Nien in flashpoints, moments missed | OneFootball

Sunderland reached the FA Cup fifth round at Oxford United, a tie that featured flashpoints, an Enzo Le Fée injury scare and a clear lift after the break.

According to Sunderland Echo, heavy rainfall across the south put kick-off in doubt, with inspections at 12pm and 1pm before the Kassam Stadium pitch was passed fit and the game given the green light.

Régis Le Bris signalled intent with a strong selection. Robin Roefs was in goal, Trai Hume returned, and Nordi Mukiele partnered Luke O’Nien centrally as Dan Ballard rested and Omar Alderete was not risked, with Dennis Cirkin on the left. Lutsharel Geertruida held with Le Fée and Habib Diarra ahead, Romaine Mundle and Chemsdine Talbi wide, Wilson Isidor up front, Brian Brobbey on the bench, and January signing Jocelin Ta Bi named in the squad.

Diarra put Sunderland ahead from the spot, then tangled with Cameron Brannagan before half-time, the referee intervening without cards as tempers cooled. Moments later Le Fée needed treatment on a right elbow problem but continued. Oxford were angered by the penalty decision and also unhappy with a Le Fée challenge that brought a yellow card earlier in the half.

Sunderland were flat before the interval, then sharpened up after it, with crisper passing and movement bringing control. Ta Bi came on and looked tidy, while O’Nien later said he traded elbows with Will Lankeshear and enjoyed the battle. Oxford competed throughout and Mundle impressed for the visitors, and this is the club’s first appearance at this stage since 2014-15.

Source: Sunderland Echo