FA Cup Fourth Round Replay: Sessegnon Leads Black Cats to Date With Arsenal

Sunderland's Beninese international midfielder, Stephane Sessegnon took it upon himself to lead his club into the next round of the FA Cup, with a vital extra-time goal in the replay of a Fourth Round encounter.

The first game between the sides, held at Sunderland's Stadium of Light, finished 1-1; with the hosts' Frazier Campbell cancelling out Middlesbrough's Barry Robson's 16<sup>th minute strike.

During the replay, the Black Cats were up against a stubborn Middlesbrough side that although technically play a division below the Premier League side, were more than a match for their visitors. Indeed, they will feel hard done they couldn't force Sunderland to the lottery of a penalty shoot-out.

Both sides enjoyed a number of shots on goal with both keepers - Middlesbrough's Jason Steele and Sunderland's Simon Mignolet forced into action on numerous occasions. The deadlock was finally broken by the Jack Colback for Sunderland, in the 42<sup>nd minute. The hosts replied through Lukas Jutkiewicz in the 57<sup>th minute, to level the match. The scores stayed unchanged despite an intensely exciting and attacking game from both sides... until Sessegnon took matters into their own hands and drilled home from 15 yards out.

Sunderland, who are currently in a lofty 8<sup>th position in the Premier League (with 33 points from 24 games), have earned themselves a Fifth Round home tie with Premier League big boys Arsenal, to be played on Feb. 18. Incidentally, Sunderland and Arsenal will now play back-to-back home games against Arsene Wenger's charges; the two will play a Premier League game at the Stadium of Light on Feb. 11.

Check out some photos from Wednesday's game: