Some of Sunderland’s key players struggled against Premier League opposition as the Black Cats lost against Newcastle United in the FA Cup third round

In the FA Cup third round, Sunderland lost to Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light, suffering a rare derby setback. The Black Cats entered the match riding a nine-game winning streak and an unblemished streak against their rivals that dates back to 2011. However, the Championship team was unable to pull off an upset over the Premier League Magpies.

 

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle were on the march after Dan Ballard’s own goal in the first half, and Alexander Isaak’s header in the opening minute of the second half sealed the victory. After that, Ballard gave up a late penalty for fouling Anthony Gordon, which Isaak scored to seal the 3-0 victory.

 

Sunderland possessed a In the second half, they had a few more opportunities, with Pierre Ekwah and Alex Pritchard

both missing the crossbar and forcing Martin Dubravka to make a stop.

However, Newcastle will be drawn to play in the fourth round on Monday.

Here’s how our Sunderland AFC writer James Hunter rated the players.

Anthony Patterson 6

A couple of saves but there was nothing he could have done about the goals

Trai Hume 5

Struggled all afternoon against Gordon, and his missed tackle on Joelinton led to the first goal

Luke O’Nien 7

Strong at the heart of defence and he was prepared to put his body on the line for his team

Dan Ballard 5

Unlucky with the own-goal, but his foul on Gordon for the late penalty was just lazy

Aji Alese 7

Still feeling his way back to full fitness but he impressed at left-back against a tough opponent in Almiron

Dan Neil 8

Excellent in central midfield, he was one of a handful of players who raised his game for the big occasion

Pierre Ekwah 5

Caught in possession for the second goal and that was the moment when Sunderland’s chances evaporated

Alex Pritchard 8

Sunderland’s man of the match, he shaved the woodwork with one effort and brought a save out of Dubravka with another

Jobe Bellingham 6

Worked hard and covered a lot of ground but not as influential as he can be

Jack Clarke 5

Made very little impact. A disappointing day for the man Sunderland are so reliant upon

Nazariy Rusyn 6

Toiled away up front and never gave up, but received next to no service