Nathan Broadhead scored his first goal for Sunderland as they eased past Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium and into Round 4 of the Carabao Cup.
The Black Cats side featured eight changes from the line-up that started Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Fleetwood Town.
With Broadhead stepping in to replace Ross Stewart as the central striker for only his second start of the season, he would have been keen to make the most of his opportunity in this strong Sunderland squad, he didn’t disappoint.
In the 26th minute the Everton loanee cut inside his marker, and with a level of composure that belied his inexperience, the 23-year-old guided a precise low finish into the bottom right-hand corner. It was Broadhead’s first goal since joining Sunderland, and a fitting reward for his willingness to run the channels all evening.
Broadhead’s strike ensured the Black Cats would take a one-goal lead into the interval, but their advantage should probably have been even greater, such was the extent of their first-half dominance
Luke O’Nien extended the Black Cats’ lead in the second half as he converted Huggins’ cross nine minutes into the second half. Broadhead was again involved with lovely hold up play and a deft pass in the build-up to the goal.
In truth, two goals was the absolute minimum Sunderland deserved, such was the extent of their superiority.
A great performance from Nathan Broadhead whose impressive performance will give coach Lee Johnson a selection headache ahead of Sunderland’s League One clash with Bolton on Saturday at the Stadium of Light.
Photos: (1) Nathan Broadhead celebrates after scoring against Wigan in front of the 1,600 travelling Sunderland fans.
(2) Nathan Broadhead scores his first goal for Sunderland at Wigan in the Carabo Cup. (Sunderland AFC)
