Flashback: Sunderland’s 2014 League Cup semi-final triumph

Sunderland fans have had a lot to get down about recently, and it’s worth remembering that it shouldn’t all be doom and gloom, as it hasn’t always been that way. Just five years ago, the Black Cats were playing in a League Cup final, and the way they got there against Manchester United was magical.

MANNONE SAVES! SUNDERLAND GO TO WEMBLEY!!!

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) January 22, 2014

Gus Poyet’s Sunderland were fighting against relegation in the Premier League, but the small reprieve of a League Cup run to keep them going. In the build-up to their semi-final against Manchester United, the Mackems overcame MK Dons, Peterborough, Southampton and Chelsea, which was already impressive in itself. The press were already preparing for a Manchester derby final, but the Black Cats did it again.

Having won 2-1 at the Stadium of Light, Poyet and co travelled to Old Trafford with a narrow lead to defend. That defending didn’t last long, though, as Jonny Evans put the home side 1-0 up and sent the game to extra-time. From there, chaos ensued. Phil Bardsley grabbed the 119th-minute equaliser, putting his side 3-2 up on aggregate before Javier Hernandez went down the other end and scored, sending it to penalties where the jubilant away side overcame the favourites 2-1.

You can read the Black Cats’ reaction to their win when it happened here:

@SAFCofficial couldn't have asked for a better game of football

— Samuel J Cotterill (@samuelcotterill) January 22, 2014

“@SAFCofficial: MANNONE SAVES! SUNDERLAND GO TO WEMBLEY!!!” Hawayyyyyyyyyy #safc

— Dan (@DanCarl_) January 23, 2014

“@SAFCofficial: MANNONE SAVES! SUNDERLAND GO TO WEMBLEY!!!” Best. Tweet. Ever. #safc #DareToDream

— Nathan Richardson (@NathRNath) January 22, 2014

“@SAFCofficial: MANNONE SAVES! SUNDERLAND GO TO WEMBLEY!!!” GET IN THERE!

— Deputy Hopper (@shaunh0pper) January 22, 2014

@SAFCofficial brilliant last night, and I dont think I was the only one crying after! Everyone deserved the win! #safc #daretodream

— Callum (@cal_summerill) January 23, 2014

“@SAFCofficial: MANNONE SAVES! SUNDERLAND GO TO WEMBLEY!!!” One emotional tweet this! I LOVE THIS CLUB!!

— Gavin Rumney (@GavinR91) January 23, 2014

I love my football club! @SAFCofficial

— Liam R. Angus (@LiamAngus) January 22, 2014

@SAFCofficial get in. What a performance. We can win this. Whole team fantastic. Incredible scenes. Buzzing #iloveyou

— Pete Whalen (@Pete_Whalen) January 22, 2014

Nothing compares for to that night at Old Trafford for Sunderland fans and who can blame them for celebrating it, especially seeing as where the club has gone in the last few years.