Here is how Sunderland players reacted on social media after the FA Cup drama against Everton on Saturday

Sunderland’s dramatic FA Cup victory over Everton sparked an immediate and emotional reaction from the Black Cats’ squad on social media, with several players sharing their pride and belief after a memorable afternoon at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Goalkeeper Robin Roefs was the hero on the pitch, producing a flawless shootout display to send Sunderland through to the fourth round. His performance was quickly recognised by teammates online, with celebrations continuing long after the final whistle. Roefs saved all three Everton penalties he faced, denying James Garner, Thierno Barry and Beto, before Luke O’Nien sealed the win from 12 yards.

Captain Granit Xhaka summed up the mood succinctly on Instagram, posting images from the celebrations alongside the message: “Next round of the cup. That’s the way to respond.” His post quickly gathered thousands of likes, including from teammates both in the squad and away on international duty. Defender Nordi Mukiele also shared his delight, posting a photo alongside Xhaka with the caption: “We’ve got @granitxhaka,” highlighting the togetherness within Régis Le Bris’ group as Sunderland continue their impressive campaign.

Goalscorer Enzo Le Fee reflected on the bond between players and supporters after opening the scoring at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Posting an image of his celebration in front of the travelling fans, Le Fée wrote: “THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU.” The Frenchman followed up his composed first-half finish by confidently converting his penalty in the shootout, this time beating boyhood Sunderland supporter Jordan Pickford.

Away from Wearside, Sunderland’s win was also being watched closely by players on international duty. A video circulating on social media showed Senegal’s AFCON squad following the penalty shootout together, with Habib Diarra playfully trolling Everton midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye after O’Nien’s winning spot-kick.

On the pitch, Sunderland fully deserved their place in the next round. Roefs’ shootout heroics followed a strong team performance in which Le Fée’s precise first-half volley was only cancelled out late on by a controversial penalty, awarded when referee John Brooks judged Trai Hume to have fouled debutant Adam Aznou. Garner converted from the spot to force extra time, but Sunderland remained composed.

With Roefs flawless in the shootout and O’Nien smashing home the decisive penalty, Sunderland booked a fourth-round place for just the second time in the last decade. The reaction from players online reflected not just relief, but growing belief that this FA Cup run could be something special.

What did Le Bris say after the Everton game?

Régis Le Bris has sought to ease fears surrounding Brian Brobbey’s fitness while confirming that Bertrand Traoré is a concern ahead of Crystal Palace’s trip to the Stadium of Light next weekend.

Brobbey was introduced for Eliezer Mayenda during the second half of Sunderland’s FA Cup third-round tie at Hill Dickinson Stadium, before being withdrawn at the interval of extra time as the Black Cats went on to beat Everton on penalties. Speaking after the game, Le Bris stressed that the decision to remove the striker was purely precautionary.

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Sunderland were able to call on Noah Sadiki for the full 120 minutes following his recent return from the Africa Cup of Nations, but Reinildo Mandava and Traoré were both absent from the squad. While Reinildo is expected to return to contention for next Saturday, Traoré has emerged as an early doubt, with the extent of his issue still unclear.

“We are not too worried about Brian because it was tightness in his hamstrings,” Le Bris said. “We have had this previously with him, so we didn’t want to take any unnecessary risks. With Reinildo and Bertrand, we will see. Rei might be available next week, but Bertrand has come back with an injury that we will have to assess. It is an injury issue he has come back with, but we don’t really know any more than that yet.”

Sunderland will also be without Habib Diarra and Chemsdine Talbi for the visit of Crystal Palace, after both Senegal and Morocco reached the AFCON semi-finals. The pair are set to feature either in the third-place play-off next Saturday or the final next Sunday, depending on results in the last four.

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