Sports
Talbi's Late Strike Sends Sunderland Through in Carabao Cup Clash with Hull
Sunderland advanced to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup after a 1-0 victory over Hull City in a third-round tie at the Stadium of Light, with Chemsdine Talbi scoring the only goal of the match. The clash between the two Premier League clubs was largely uneventful until Talbi's cool finish in the 71st minute settled the contest, securing Sunderland's place in the next round, scheduled for late October.
Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris made 11 changes to the side that drew with Brentford at the weekend. Dayann Methalie and Jules Ahoka both made their first appearances for the club, while Malick Fofana earned his first full start after appearing as a substitute against Brentford. Hull boss Sergej Jakirovic also rotated his squad, making eight changes following a goalless draw with Aston Villa. Mohamed-Ali Cho, Sorba Thomas and Robinio Vaz all started for the first time for Hull.
Hull goalkeeper Dillon Phillips was called into action early, tipping a cross from Jocelin Ta Bi over the bar before diving to deny a header from Ahoka. The first half saw both sides struggle to create clear chances, with Hull earning a couple of corners that were dealt with comfortably by the Sunderland defence.
Sunderland threatened when Chris Rigg played a pass to Jocelin, though the winger's shot went wide. Talbi later forced a save from Phillips after breaking into the box, while Ahoka fired an effort over the bar from distance. Just before halftime, Vaz attempted a shot from a tight angle, which was comfortably saved by Sunderland goalkeeper Melker Ellborg.
After the break, Sunderland continued to press, with Wilson Isidor heading against the crossbar and Rigg curling a free-kick narrowly wide. Hull made three substitutions in the 59th minute and came close to scoring when Thomas's free-kick was parried away by Ellborg.
The deciding goal came in the 71st minute, as Sunderland countered from a Hull corner. Substitute Thomas Meunier played the ball to Talbi, who ran through Hull's defense and chipped it over Phillips into the net.
Isidor had a chance to extend the lead but shot wide, while substitute Timur Tutierov also missed the target with a powerful effort. Hull pushed for an equalizer in the closing stages, with former Sunderland loanee Joe Gelhardt missing a close-range opportunity and Cho shooting wide from a corner. Despite the late pressure, Sunderland held on to secure their place in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.