Sunderland put their Premier League difficulties to one side as they defeated Brentford to reach the Carabao Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2022.
The Black Cats, bottom of the league, were second best for much of the opening period but produced a ruthless spell at the Stadium of Light, scoring three times in 13 minutes to establish a commanding lead.
Chemsdine Talbi opened the scoring from close range, tapping into an empty net from less than a yard after excellent work by Joceline Ta Bi.
Ta Bi played a central role in the second goal three minutes later. The Ivory Coast forward created space inside the penalty area before finding Tymur Tutierov, who calmly finished to double Sunderland’s advantage.
The visitors were unable to contain Sunderland’s attacking threat and fell further behind in the 39th minute. Ta Bi delivered another decisive contribution, sending a cross towards the far post for Malick Fofana to head home and send the Stadium of Light into celebration.
Brentford reduced the deficit before half-time through former Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson, who bundled a volley into the bottom corner.
Sunderland manager Regis le Bris had made 11 changes to the team that drew 0-0 with Leeds United on Sunday. Despite the heavily altered line-up, his side showed enough quality to take control against Brentford, who are sixth in the table.
The Bees struggled to build on their late first-half goal, although Igor Thiago came close to scoring in the 65th minute. The striker, who has found goals difficult to come by this season, could not make contact with a diving header.
Thiago eventually found the net in added time, meeting the ball with a powerful header in his trademark style. However, the goal came too late to threaten Sunderland’s progress and the home side secured their place in the last eight.
Sunderland’s reward is an away tie against Crystal Palace. Palace have also endured a disappointing start to the campaign but advanced on Wednesday night by winning at Fulham.
