Report by John Patrick Heeley

Black Cats dump Latics out of Carabao Cup

Sunderland booked their place in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with a deserved 2-0 victory over fellow League One high-flyers Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium.

Goals from Nathan Broadhead and Luke O'Nien either side of half-time ensured the Black Cats progressed comfortably against a heavily rotated Wigan side.

With both clubs enjoying strong starts to their League One campaigns, managers Leam Richardson and Lee Johnson opted to make numerous changes to their starting line-ups, making a combined 17 alterations from their previous league fixtures.

Despite the changes, Sunderland settled quickest and looked the more threatening side from the opening whistle.

The visitors created the first clear opportunity when Aiden O'Brien let fly from 25 yards, his effort flashing narrowly wide of Ben Amos' right-hand post.

Sunderland's positive approach was rewarded in the 26th minute.

A long ball forward appeared destined for O'Brien, who intelligently left it for Nathan Broadhead.

The Everton loanee took advantage and curled a precise finish into the far corner to give the Black Cats a deserved lead.

Sunderland almost doubled their advantage moments later when Dennis Cirkin unleashed a powerful drive that Amos tipped over the crossbar.

The Wigan goalkeeper was then called into action again after Jason Kerr's misplaced pass allowed Leon Dajaku a clear run on goal, Amos producing another important save to keep his side in contention.

Any hopes of a Wigan revival after the break were quickly extinguished.

Nine minutes into the second half, Sunderland produced an excellent passing move that ended with Luke O'Nien arriving in the box to finish confidently and double the visitors' lead.

The goal reflected Sunderland's superiority throughout the contest and left Wigan with a mountain to climb.

The Latics attempted to respond, but Sunderland's organised defence rarely looked troubled.

Indeed, only determined defending from Wigan in the latter stages prevented the visitors from adding further goals as they continued to dominate proceedings.

For Sunderland, it was an accomplished cup performance that demonstrated the depth of Lee Johnson's squad.

Wigan, meanwhile, exited the competition after an evening in which they never truly reached their usual standards against a sharp and energetic Black Cats side.

Sunderland controlled much of the game, creating the better chances and limiting Wigan's attacking threat.

Broadhead's well-taken first-half opener and O'Nien's composed finish after the interval sealed a comfortable victory and secured the Black Cats a place in the Carabao Cup fourth round.