Sunderland turn the cup into a circus and the clowns run the show

Sunderland finally gave the EFL Cup a proper script, pulling off a 3‑2 thriller that will have the Rokerites chanting “We are the champions” for weeks. Brentford arrived with Premier League pedigree, but the Black Cats turned Roker Park into a demolition derby, and the final whistle left the visitors nursing a bruised ego.

The opening salvo came from Ross Stewart, who slotted a low‑driven finish past David  Raya after a slick one‑two with Liam Kerr. The striker’s movement was razor‑sharp, and his finish earned him an 8.0 – the highest rating on the pitch. Stewart’s second‑half brace, a header from a corner and a poacher’s tap‑in after a defensive lapse, sealed his status as the man of the match.

Brentford tried to respond through Yoane Wissa, whose pace forced Sunderland’s back line into a scramble before he curled a half‑volley into the top corner. The French winger’s effort was the highlight for the visitors, meriting a respectable 7.0. However, a costly mis‑communication between centre‑backs Ethan  Pinnock and Kristoffer Ajer allowed Stewart to pounce, turning a routine clearance into a goal.

Sunderland’s midfield, orchestrated by Jack Clark, kept the tempo lively. Clark’s 7.5 reflects his work rate: he broke up Brentford’s passes, linked play, and supplied the ball that led to the opening goal. On the opposite side, Brentford’s midfield maestro Christian Nørgaard was a shadow of his usual self, drifting wide and failing to press, which earned him a modest 5.5.

Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford (yes, the England number‑one was on loan at Sunderland for this cup tie) was a wall when it mattered, pulling off a reflex save from a Mbeumo free‑kick and commanding his area with authority – a solid 7.0. Brentford’s Raya, meanwhile, looked flustered after two soft touches, and his 5.5 rating tells the story.

The decisive moment arrived in the 78th minute when Sunderland’s Liam Kerr surged forward, threading a perfect through‑ball to Stewart, who made no mistake. Brentford’s late rally, courtesy of a late Mbeumo strike, fell short as the final whistle blew.

What it means

The victory doesn’t alter league positions – it’s a cup win, not a league point – but it injects Sunderland with confidence as they chase a playoff spot. Brentford, already secure in the Premier League, can now focus on the league without the distraction of an early cup exit.

---

Player Ratings

Ross Stewart (Sunderland) – 8.0
Jack Clark (Sunderland) – 7.5
Jordan Pickford (Sunderland) – 7.0
Yoane Wissa (Brentford) – 7.0
Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford) – 6.5
Ethan Pinnock (Brentford) – 5.5
Christian Nørgaard (Brentford) – 5.5