Chemsdine Talbi proved to be the match-winner as Sunderland edged past Hull City with a narrow 1-0 triumph in the third round of the Carabao Cup. The encounter at the Stadium of Light was generally low‑key, with both Premier League outfits struggling to create clear-cut chances for much of the 90 minutes. It was ultimately Talbi's deft chip that broke the deadlock in the 71st minute, sending the Black Cats through to the next stage of the competition, which is scheduled for the end of October. Both managers approached the game with heavily rotated squads.
Sunderland's boss, Regis Le Bris, made eleven changes to the side that had drawn 1-1 with Brentford a week earlier. Youngsters Dayann Methalie and Jules Ahoka earned their first senior appearances, while Malick Fofana, who had previously come off the bench against the Bees, was handed a full debut.
On the opposite bench, Hull's Sergej Jakirovic also reshuffled his XI, introducing eight new faces after a goalless stalemate with Aston Villa. Newcomers Mohamed‑Ali Cho, Sorba Thomas and Robinio Vaz all made their competitive debuts for the Tigers. The match kicked off with Sunderland pressing early.
Goalkeeper Dillon Phillips was called into action almost immediately, scrambling to tip away a cross from Hull's Jocelin Ta Bi and later making a solid save from a header by Ahoka. Hull responded with a series of corners that were cleared by the home defence, but the first half remained largely uneventful as both sides found it difficult to trouble the opposing keeper. Sunderland began to look more threatening when the ball found teenage midfielder Chris Rigg, who threaded a pass to winger Jocelin. Unfortunately, the winger's shot sailed wide of the target.
Talbi made a quick run into the box shortly after, forcing Phillips into a low save, while Ahoka unleashed a long‑range effort that flew over the crossbar. Just before the interval, Hull's Robinio Vaz tried a low, angled shot, but it was comfortably gathered by Sunderland's keeper Melker Ellborg.
The second half opened with Sunderland still on the front foot. Wilson Isidor rose to meet a cross, directing a looping header that struck the underside of the net, while Rigg curled a free‑kick that missed the far post. Hull made a triple substitution in the 59th minute, aiming to inject fresh energy. Their first chance came when Thomas's free‑kick was saved by Ellborg, but the Black Cats held firm.
The decisive moment arrived with just under 20 minutes remaining. Hull had won a corner, and the ball was cleared to the edge of the penalty area. Substitute Thomas Meunier flicked the ball across the six‑yard line, finding Talbi in space.
Demonstrating composure beyond his years, Talbi raced past the Hull defence, collected the ball, and calmly chipped it over the outstretched Phillips into the bottom corner. The goal was a textbook example of technique and timing, giving Sunderland the lead they needed.
Sunderland attempted to extend their advantage as the clock ticked down. Isidor struck a powerful shot that drifted wide, and Timur Tutierov, who came on as a late replacement, blasted over the bar. Hull threw everything forward in search of an equaliser.
Former Black Cat loanee Joe Gelhardt had a close‑range chance but mis‑hit the ball, sending it over the bar, while Cho's effort from a corner also went wide. Both managers reflected on the game in post‑match interviews.
Le Bris praised Talbi's versatility, noting that the young attacker can operate effectively on either flank or in a more central role. He highlighted the player's ability to find space and stay composed under pressure, especially after 50 or 60 minutes of play. Le Bris also acknowledged the challenge of integrating eleven new faces, emphasizing that competition for places remains fierce and that the team's intensity in the second half was crucial to securing the win.
Jakirovic, for his part, described the contest as a "50‑50" affair, conceding that Sunderland deserved their goal but suggesting that Hull could have been better organised defensively, particularly after conceding the long‑ball finish. He pointed to Gelhardt's missed opportunity as the best chance Hull created, expressing disappointment at not converting it and congratulating Sunderland on their victory. Overall, the match served as a useful test for both squads ahead of their upcoming league fixtures. Sunderland will look to build on the confidence generated by Talbi's goal and the solid defensive performance, while Hull will aim to tighten their defensive shape and make the most of the creative spark shown by their debutants.
The win propels Sunderland into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, where they will await their next opponent in late October. The game also featured a promotional reminder for fans: "Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player," and a reminder about the Super 6 competition offering a chance to win £1 million, with free entry available to all participants.