Sunderland were beaten 2-1 by Fleetwood Town in the EFL Trophy last night but many Black Cats fans appear hugely impressed by the performance of 21-year-old Elliot Embleton. 

Phil Parkinson's men dominated for much of the game and took an early lead through Callum McFadzean's deflected strike but came undone just before the hour mark at Highbury Stadium.

The hosts scored two goals inside 10 minutes as first Barrie McKay and then Mark Duffy put the ball in the Black Cats' net, turning the tie on its head.

Sunderland were never able to recover, with injuries wreaking havoc with Parkinson's side, but despite falling to a 2-1 defeat there were some positives.

Among those was the performance of Embleton, who has been impressing for the U23s while working his way back from injury in recent weeks.

The midfielder came off the bench to make his first appearance of the season against Mansfield Town in the FA Cup last weekend and made his first start of the campaign last night.

The Sunderland academy product certainly seems to have impressed as he pulled the strings in midfield for much of the game for the Black Cats.

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One of the criticisms levelled at Parkinson this term has been his reluctance to put faith in the club's talented young players and that pressure from fans looks set to intensify after Embleton's display.

Read the reaction of Sunderland supporters here: