Former Manchester United youngster Adnan Januzaj scored the winner as David Moyes supervised his first victory since taking over the helms at Sunderland.
They played Shrewsbury in the second round of the EFL Cup, with their opponents giving them a tough time before breaking. The Black Cats revel in te win as it comes in the middle of an injury crisis at the club. The defence is the most hit of the departments in the squad.
In the 2-1 loss to Premier League entrant Middlesbrough, John O’Shea limped off, joining the expanding list of injured defenders like Jan Kirchhoff, Lee Cattermole, and Billy Jones. The game wasn’t as exciting but it ensures Moyes gets his first win and a ticket to the next round of the EFL Cup. Former South African international Steven Pienaar played the game, reuniting with his former Everton manager. Before the game, Moyes was concerned with the injury rate but he declared he was taking the EFL serious.
Januzaj, Asoro and Khazri were upfront, with Gooch behind Asoro, leaving Pienner in the middle. Rodwell, Pickford, Love, McNair, Djilobodji and captain of the game Patrick van Aanholt were also in action. Khazri got the first clear chance for Sunderland few minutes into the encounter, but blew it off. Januzaj was fouled by McGivern on the edge of the box, but the free kick from the former Red Devils youngster didn’t get past the wall. The first half ended goalless, despite Sunderland dominating possession.
The second half went underway without many changes until Januzaj scored the late winner. He was allowed to turn on the edge of the box then he sent a powerful shot into the right-hand corner. The rivals couldn’t get to equalize even after four minutes added on. The win means Sunderland will face Queen Park Rangers in the third round.