Chemsdine Talbi marked his return to Sunderland’s starting line-up with the decisive goal as the Black Cats edged past Hull City to book their place in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
Talbi, who was left out of Sunderland’s Europa League squad last week amid reported interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, produced the moment of quality in a game that otherwise offered very little in front of goal.
Sunderland made wholesale changes following Saturday’s draw at Brentford, with manager Regis Le Bris making 11 alterations to his starting XI. The lack of familiarity was noticeable early on, while second-choice goalkeeper Melker Ellborg endured a nervous moment when he rushed outside his penalty area to deal with a loose ball.
Ellborg failed to make a clean connection, giving Hull forward Mohamed-Ali Cho an opportunity to try an ambitious lob. However, Cho could not find the target.
Hull also felt they should have been awarded a penalty early in the match when Luke O’Nien appeared to catch Robinio Vaz inside the Sunderland box. The referee waved away the appeals, and the visitors were unable to build on the moment.
Sunderland gradually found their rhythm as the first half wore on and finished the opening 45 minutes with more attacking intent.
Jules Ahoka came closest to breaking the deadlock before the interval, curling an effort towards the far corner. Hull goalkeeper Dillon Phillips reacted quickly, diving low to make an important save and keep the scores level.
The breakthrough eventually arrived after the restart, and it was Talbi who provided it.
The Morocco international showed pace and composure on the counter-attack, driving forward before lifting a clever finish over the advancing Phillips. It was a calm finish that ultimately proved enough to settle a scrappy cup tie.
Hull, who had also heavily rotated their side after Saturday’s goalless draw with Aston Villa, struggled to respond. Only three players retained their places from that starting XI, and the lack of attacking cohesion was evident.
Sorba Thomas, who joined Hull from Stoke City on transfer deadline day, was one of the visitors’ liveliest players. His set-piece deliveries repeatedly offered Hull a potential route back into the contest, but Sunderland’s defence dealt with the threat and protected their narrow advantage.
There was no late comeback from Hull, allowing Sunderland to celebrate a hard-fought victory and progress to the last 16 of the competition.
For Talbi, the goal was particularly timely. After being omitted from the Europa League squad and attracting reported interest from Saudi Arabia, his decisive contribution provided a timely reminder of what he can offer Sunderland.
The Black Cats will now wait for the fourth-round draw, which is scheduled for Wednesday, 16 September. The ties are set to be played during the week beginning Monday, 26 October.
For Sunderland, it was not a spectacular performance, but in cup football, getting the job done is often what matters most.
