Chemsdine Talbi proved to be the match-winner when his expertly placed chip gave Sunderland a narrow 1-0 triumph over Hull City in the third round of the Carabao Cup. The encounter at the Stadium of Light was relatively uneventful, with both Premier League outfits struggling to create clear-cut chances for most of the ninety minutes. It was only in the 71st minute that Talbi’s composure in front of goal made the difference, allowing the Black Cats to advance to the competition's fourth round, scheduled for the end of October.
Manager Regis Le Bris entered the game with a heavily rotated side, making eleven changes from the lineup that had drawn 1-1 with Brentford a week earlier. Youngsters Dayann Methalie and Jules Ahoka earned their first senior appearances, while Malick Fofana made his full debut after previously coming off the bench against the Bees.
On the opposite bench, Hull’s Sergej Jakirovic also reshuffled his roster, introducing eight newcomers, including full debuts for Mohamed‑Ali Cho, Sorba Thomas and Robinio Vaz, following a goalless stalemate with Aston Villa. The match opened with Sunderland pressing high, and early on goalkeeper Dillon Phillips was called into action when Jocelin Ta Bi’s cross forced a save. Phillips also produced a solid dive to deny Ahoka’s header, keeping the visitors at bay. Hull responded with a series of corners that were cleared without much trouble, and the first half progressed as a quiet affair, each side testing the opposing goalkeeper but failing to generate a genuine threat.
Sunderland’s first real chance came when teenage midfielder Chris Rigg threaded a pass to winger Jocelin, who unfortunately mis‑hit his shot wide of the post. Talbi then made a darting run into the box, forcing Phillips into a low block before Ahoka unleashed a powerful strike from distance that sailed over the crossbar. Just before the interval, Hull’s Robinio Vaz attempted a low‑angled effort, but it was comfortably collected by Sunderland’s keeper Melker Ellborg. The second half began with Sunderland again looking dangerous.
Wilson Isidor rose to meet a looping cross and headed the ball onto the roof of the net, only for it to bounce out. Rigg later curled a free‑kick that drifted wide.
Hull made a triple substitution in the 59th minute, hoping to inject fresh energy. Their new midfielder Thomas took a free‑kick that was parried by Ellborg, giving the home side a brief reprieve. The decisive moment arrived with roughly nineteen minutes remaining.
Hull had delivered a corner, and the ball fell to substitute Thomas Meunier, who flicked it across the six‑yard box. Talbi arrived unmarked, took a touch, and calmly chipped the ball over the advancing Phillips.
The ball dipped into the bottom corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance and sending the Sunderland fans into celebration. The goal broke the deadlock and proved to be the match’s sole tally.
Sunderland attempted to extend their lead as the clock ticked down. Isidor struck a powerful effort that missed the target, and late substitute Timur Tutierov blasted over from distance. Hull, desperate for an equaliser, launched a flurry of attacks.
Former Black Cat loanee Joe Gelhardt found himself in a promising position but mishit his close‑range effort, sending it over the bar. Cho, another debutant, headed wide from a corner. Despite the pressure, Sunderland held firm and saw out the final minutes. Post‑match, Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris praised his side’s performance: "It’s really positive.
We know this window can talk and we can have different conversations about the future. Now it’s done, it’s really clear.
I was also interested by this new position because I feel Talbi can play off the left and play off the right. He showed in the past he can be a good winger but also just under the striker. He has this space and this ability to exploit big spaces.
Even after 50 or 60 minutes he stayed composed to finish. He had this first chance just at the end of first half and the second one was fantastic. With 11 changes it’s clear that it’s not easy to find the references.
We trained together but the reality is always the competition. The beginning of the second half was much better, we imposed our intensity and we scored, which was important.
After that, the last part of the game they pushed a bit, but we stayed solid." Hull’s boss Sergej Jakirovic reflected on the narrow defeat: "I think we played a 50‑50 game today. We had some good actions, Sunderland also had some good actions. Maybe this goal we conceded we had to be better organised.
Long ball, but great finishing in the end. Maybe we had the best chance in the game tonight through Gelhardt, so maybe we feel we can score that.
Unfortunately we didn’t and congratulations to Sunderland." The victory ensures Sunderland’s continuation in the Carabao Cup, where they will aim to build on this hard‑earned win as they progress to the next round later in the month.