Sunderland took a major step towards Wembley as Adam Johnson won a penalty which was converted to seal a 2-1 victory over Manchester United in the League Cup semi-final first-leg.
The 12-time capped England international had only just entered the action from the bench when he picked up the ball and surged goalwards on 63 minutes – before he was bundled over just inside the box by Tom Cleverley.
The referee pointed to the spot and Fabio Borini stepped-up to finish and seal the victory.
The Black Cats had taken the lead at the Stadium of Light in first-half stoppage time, Phil Bardsley sliding in to knock the ball over the line courtesy of a deflection from Ryan Giggs.
United pegged the hosts back shortly after the break, Cleverley whipping in a corner for Nemanja Vidic to head home on 52 minutes.
Johnson was introduced to the action just moments later and produced the magic to help his side secure a vital win ahead of the second-leg at Old Trafford in a fortnight.
England internationals Michael Carrick and Danny Welbeck started for the Red Devils and Chris Smalling came off the bench during the second-half.
Manchester City take giant stride towards Wembley final
Joleon Lescott played the 90 minutes against West Ham United as his Manchester City side all but secured a place in the League Cup Final at Wembley.
The England defender had little to do as his team-mates blew The Hammers away at The Etihad Stadium – winning the semi-final first-leg 6-0.
A hat-trick from Alvaro Negredo ensured the victory for City, with Edin Dzeko netting a brace and a further strike from Yaya Toure leaving the visitors with an almost impossible task in the second-leg.
West Ham included England international Stewart Downing in their line-up, but even the introduction of seven-capped striker Carlton Cole could not prevent their cup dreams from all but ending.
The second-leg will be at Upton Park on Tuesday 21 January.
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