Sunderland: 10 Most Costly Mistakes In Black Cats History
5. A Second Appearance At Wembley - Blown
How many times does a club have an opportunity of following one cup final with another potential Wembley appearance within the space of a week? Unless you are Manchester City, Manchester United or Chelsea, its very rare to say the least However, that was the tantalising prospect that faced Gus Poyet and Sunderland a week after disappointment in the League Cup final at the hands of Manchester City. Former Sunderland boss, Steve Bruces Hull were the opposition, and despite their relative mid-table safety, 100% record against the Black Cats in the league and home advantage, Poyets men should still have proved the better side. Maybe the league took priority, or concerns if Sunderland actually made it into Europe only to stretch the wafer-thin squad: either way, something made Gus Poyet change his line-up to the tune of six changes. Despite a first-half penalty save from Sunderlands stand-in keeper, the Black Cats pressed the self-destruct button more than once as Hull cruised to a comfortable victory. For Sunderland fans and Poyet particularly, given the nature of the cup draw that Hull enjoyed, playing Sheffield United in the semi-final it was very much a case of what if. But Sunderlands late, great escape towards the back end of last season probably restored some faith.
