Everton lose to Sunderland on penalties in the FA Cup round 3

Sunderland (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – January 10, 2026 – Everton exited the FA Cup third round after losing a penalty shootout to Sunderland following a 1-1 draw through full and extra time. Vitaliy Mykolenko started at left-back for the visitors, who dominated possession but faltered from the spot. Sunderland’s goalkeeper denied all three Everton attempts to secure progression.

Everton equalised in the first half after conceding early from a Sunderland set-piece. Neither side scored in the second period despite sustained Premier League pressure. Extra time yielded no goals, leading to spot-kicks,s where the home keeper excelled.

Penalty Shootout Proves Decisive After Stalemate

Sunderland converted three penalties while Everton failed with all attempts saved. Jordan Pickford participated but could not prevent elimination. Mykolenko successfully struck Everton’s first kick before subsequent misses.

Everton correspondent Joe Thomas assessed the shootout immediately post-match. Joe Thomas (@joe_thomas18) said in X post,

“Sunderland win 3-0 on pens. So much hard work was undone there by a poor set of pens. Everton fought so well to take this to the end but lost at the final hurdle. Everton are out of the FA Cup.”

 

Sunderland win 3-0 on pens.

So much hard work undone there by a poor set of pens. Everton fought so well to take this to the end but lose at the final hurdle.

Everton are out of the FA Cup.https://t.co/ZvjlLEvSHi

— Joe Thomas (@joe_thomas18) January 10, 2026

Everton Equalises Following Sunderland Set-Piece Opener

The championship side took the lead midway through the first half from a rehearsed corner routine. Everton responded through quick transition play featuring Mykolenko’s overlapping run. The second half saw visitors register 14 shots, including 5 on target.

Sunderland’s keeper recorded seven saves, maintaining parity into extra time. Mykolenko completed 87% pass accuracy with three key deliveries from the left flank.

Sunderland Goalkeeper Dominates Penalty Phase

Home custodian saved Everton captain’s effort, both strikers’ attempts, and the midfielder’s strike. Everton fan NW highlighted the execution post-whistle. NW (@win_n10) said in X post,

“Everton out of FA Cup after all 3 penalties they took in a shootout v Sunderland were saved easily by the Sunderland keeper, with the 2 worst taken by our 2 strikers.”

 

Everton out of FA Cup after all 3 penalties they took in a shootout v Sunderland were saved easily by the Sunderland keeper, with the 2 worst taken by our 2 strikers 🤢😱

— NW 💙 (@win_n10) January 10, 2026

Three conversions secured Sunderland’s advancement to 4th round draw. Stadium of Light erupted as the final kick sailed wide of the target.

Possession Statistics Favour Premier League Visitors

Everton controlled 62% possession across regulation 90 minutes. Sunderland absorbed pressure while threatening via counterattacks. Expected goals recorded 1.8 for Everton against 0.9 home total. Mykolenko covered 11.2 kilometres, contributing defensively and offensively. Ukraine rated 7.2 for consistent performances throughout the tie.

Sean Dyche’s Squad Rotation Features Mykolenko

Manager rested three first-choice players while retaining Mykolenko in defence. Midfield pairing provided stability lacking final-third penetration. Sunderland’s high press disrupted the build-up from the backline positions. Visitors generated superior chances but suffered a shootout conversion failure.

Historical Precedents for Third Round Eliminations

Eighth Championship victory over Premier League opposition this FA Cup campaign. Everton continues its inconsistent knockout record under current management. Mykolenko experiences a third season of mixed domestic cup fortunes. 5 such upsets occurred across Saturday’s fixtures.

Stadium Atmosphere Amplifies Shootout Pressure

105-deibel crowd noise peaked during the penalty phase. Everton away allocation filled behind the opposite goal end. Sunderland’s public address reinforced the home advantage narrative. Floodlit pitch conditions suited technical play despite winter elements.

Statistical Metrics Reveal Fine Margins

Everton completed 584 passes at 85% accuracy versus Sunderland’s 312. Aerial battles won 56-44% by visitors. Home tackle success reached 78% through midfield screening. xG differential failed to materialise during critical shootout moments.

Set-Piece Execution Determines First-Half Outcome

Sunderland’s opener resulted from a short corner routine exposing zonal defence. Everton’s equaliser bypassed the press through rapid forward passing. Second-half alterations maintained home defensive organisation. Specialist coaching credited for rehearsed dead-ball proficiency.

Mykolenko Anchors Left Defensive Flank

Twenty-second start across competitions this term for Ukrainian. Partnership with the right-back preserved clean sheets during regulation phases. Forward surges aided equalising move progression. Post-match interaction acknowledged the travelling supporter commitment.

Financial Consequences of Early Elimination

Everton forfeits potential £2.25 million fourth round broadcast revenue. Sunderland gains immediate television uplift for advancement. Merchandise benefits follow cup progression tradition. Prize structure rewards lower-tier giant-killings.

Sunderland’s Playoff Push Benefits from Momentum

Championship side occupies promotion positions after festive improvement. Manager rotated squad preserving league form alongside cup run. Attendance hit a season-high for knockout encounter. £120,000 immediate prize money secured.

Everton’s Domestic Cup Inconsistency Persists

Third round exit matches recent knockout patterns. League focus shifts following elimination. Mykolenko returns to Premier League defensive duties. Sunderland prepares for lucrative 4th round opportunities.

Tactical Discipline Underpins Sunderland Resilience

High pressure disrupted Everton’s rhythm throughout the contest. Counter-attacking efficiency produced scoring opportunities. Defensive shape absorbed sustained pressure effectively. Goalkeeper’s shootout command proved match-defining.

Broader Third Round Upset Landscape

Ten lower opposition eliminations across professional clubs. Non-league successes doubled the previous campaign total. Four ties required penalty resolutions. FA Cup unpredictability characterises the traditional third round weekend.