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Niall Ennis emerges as Stoke City's hero in the victory of the FA Cup over Sunderland

• Stoke City secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Sunderland in the third round of the FA Cup, with Niall Ennis scoring the decisive goal in the 112th minute.
• Mark Robins showcased strategic brilliance by utilizing impactful substitutions, which ultimately led to a crucial win for Stoke City.
• Ennis' performance, marked by his decisive goal and solid match statistics, positions him as a key player for future fixtures.

ByOscar Cortes|
Niall Ennis emerges as Stoke City's hero in the victory of the FA Cup over Sunderland
Niall Ennis emerges as Stoke City's hero in the victory of the FA Cup over Sunderland | Stu Forster/GettyImages

In an exhilarating FA Cup third-round clash, Stoke City faced a formidable Sunderland side in a match that tested their resolve and tactical acumen. Under the guidance of manager Mark Robins, Stoke City displayed a high level of competitiveness, culminating in a crucial 2-1 victory after extra time.

Robins, in only his second match at the helm, fielded a strong lineup and made strategic substitutions that paid dividends. The game was tightly contested, with both teams pushing hard for control. However, it was Stoke City who ultimately found the breakthrough.

READ MORE: Sunderland 1-2 Stoke City: classified in the FA Cup those of Mark Robins

Ennis Seals the Victory in Extra Time

The hero of the match, Niall Ennis, who had been a peripheral figure throughout the season with only seven appearances off the bench, seized the moment in the FA Cup.Entering the game in the 76th minute as a substitute for Tom Cannon, Ennis made an immediate impact.

In the 112th minute, he netted the decisive goal, ensuring Stoke City's advancement to the next round.

His performance was not just about the goal; Ennis completed 21 touches, maintained an 83% pass accuracy, completing five out of six passes, and engaged in ten duels, winning four. These statistics underline his effectiveness and importance to the team.

A Promising Future for Ennis and Stoke City

This victory is significant not only for Stoke City's FA Cup campaign but also for Ennis' confidence and future role in the squad. His clutch performance in such a high-stakes game suggests that he could see increased playing time in upcoming matches.

Mark Robins' ability to make impactful changes during the match and Stoke City's ability to clinch victory in a challenging fixture highlight the team's resilience and potential for the rest of the season. As Stoke City moves forward, the contributions of players like Ennis will be crucial in maintaining their momentum in both the FA Cup and league play.

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