One trophy still eludes Sunderland – the League Cup – but they have come close on two occasions
Sometimes, it’s worth taking a step back and appreciating how much Sunderland AFC have achieved in the game.
They’ve won the old First Division six times, the FA Cup twice, have claimed a Charity Shield and a whole host of other honours throughout their illustrious history.
But there is one major trophy that has eluded the Black Cats: the League Cup.
That’s not to say they haven’t come close, though. On two occasions Sunderland have come agonisingly close to lifting the one piece of silverware missing from their trophy cabinet (and no, we aren’t including the EFL Trophy).
So as Phil Parkinson’s side prepare to launch their 2020/21 campaign with a foray into the competition against Hull City, we take a look back at when the Black Cats almost lifted the League Cup.
1985: A tale of penalties and a Corner
Sunderland first made the final of the League Cup in the 1984/85 season - a campaign which would ultimately see them, and fellow finalists Norwich City, relegated from the first division.
Len Ashurst’s side had overcome Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, Tottenham Hotspur and Watford to reach the semi-finals, where they faced Chelsea over two legs.
And it would be the Black Cats who claimed a 5-2 aggregate victory, thanks in no small part to three goals across the two legs by young striker Colin West.
But as Sunderland headed to the Twin Towers, there was a notable absentee from their match day squad.
Semi-final hero West was dropped from the side completely, with David Hodgson instead leading the line.
West was naturally furious, with his relationship with manager Len Ashurst turning sour as a result. The
striker would go on to leave the club in the summer, moving to Watford for a six-figure fee. As for the game, Gordon Chisholm’s own-goal moments after half-time proved enough to hand the trophy to Norwich.
The goal came after Sunderland defender David Corner tried to shepherd the ball out for a goal kick, only to be dispossessed allowing Norwich to force the error and take the lead.
Speaking at a talk-in 2011, Corner admitted that he ‘should have kicked the ball out’.
“It was a great honour for me to be playing for my hometown club in a national final,” he admitted.
“But I have to hold my hands up and say the goal was my fault.”
Sunderland could have levelled though, when they
awarded a spot kick moments after the restat. Clive Walker, however, couldn’t convert - with his effort coming back off the post.
West was left to watch on and wonder what could have been.
Speaking in 2009, the striker looked back on the game - and why he was left out of the side.
“I definitely wasn’t injured for the final,” he said.
“I don’t know what went on but I have since found out through one or two people that the deal [to go to Watford] was more or less done between the clubs before the final. They’d been speaking about it. And then I got left out of the final.
“I got told on the Sunday morning – the day of the game – at the hotel that I wasn’t playing. If I had played and we’d won then there’s no
way I would have wanted to leave Sunderland I’m sure. But I think the deal had been done between the two clubs.
“We lost the game. We had a penalty and Clive [Walker] missed it. I took the penalties so I was sitting there thinking, ‘I might have scored that.’”
2013 - When Sunderland dared to dream
This run to Wembley was perhaps more remarkable than the final itself.
Sunderland, who were struggling at the wrong end of the Premier League, defied the odds to beat Chelsea and then Manchester United - in the most dramatic of circumstances - to claim progression through to the final.
Waiting under the arch of the new Wembley were a star-studded Manchester City who were starting to reap the benefits of their bil
lionaire backers under Manuel Pellegrini.
But it was Sunderland who took the lead in the capital, as Fabio Borini latched onto a long ball and slotted past Costel Pantillimon.
That lead was maintained through to half-time, as Sunderland fans dared to dream. Could they actually do this?
And as the opening ten minutes of the second half ticked by, that belief grew.
That is until Yaya Toure’s cross caught out everyone - including Sunderland stopper Vito Mannone - and flew into the top corner.
1-1, and within minutes Sunderland were behind as Samir Nasri added a second.
Jesus Navas’ late goal rounded-off a victory for the Citizens - but Sunderland left with their heads held high.
“We were disappointed, but proud of what we did on the pitch,” reflected Borini.
"We made Man City win the game and they had to score two incredible goals, which is why they are Man City.
"It was a great team performance in the first half.
"Man City came out with the qualities, that's normal. But the feeling to be in front and have a real chance to win it was unbelievable.
"That's what we need to take with us for the rest of the season."
And take it on they did, as Poyet managed to comfortably keep the side in the Premier League thanks to a fine run of form in April.
But Sunderland’s wait for the League Cup was made to continue - and while it’s unlikely to happen this year, here’s hoping that final empty place in the trophy cabinet can be filled soon.