Sunderland faced Brentford in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening
Sunderland secured their place in the last eight of the Carabao Cup with a 3-2 win over Brentford.
Head coach Régis Le Bris made eleven changes for the game, but saw his young side produce an excellent spell of counterattacking football to seal the win.
Here’s how we rated all of the Black Cats involved on the night…
1. GK – Melker Ellborg
Got away with one corner he came for and didn’t reach but deserves huge credit for some excellent first-half saves and was unlucky not to keep Wilson’s goal out. Steady on the ball but led Thiago’s header sneak over the line late on when he should have saved. 6 | AFP via Getty Images
2. RB – Alan Browne
Had some tricky defensive moments as you’d expect against Diouf but in the circumstances a really good showing. Tenacious and offered an outlet in the first half in particular. Credit to his professionalism after a long spell on the sidelines. 7 | Chris Fryatt, Echo
3. CB – Kevin Danso
Made some good blocks and defensive interventions. A definite step in the right direction on his return to the side after a difficult couple of weeks. 7 | Sunderland Echo
4. CB – Omar Alderete
Really strong showing. Good in the air, tidy on the ball and tenacious in his duels. Snuffed out some dangerous attacks and set away a few of Sunderland’s own. 8 | Chris Fryatt
5. LB – Dayann Methalie
Had a strong second half defensively in which he was put under a lot of pressure but gave very little up to his opposition. 7 | Sunderland Echo, Chris Fryatt
6. CM – Jules Ahoka
Continues to produce performances that belie his lack of senior experience. Played a big part in the first goal and was tidy throughout. 7 | Getty Images
7. CM – Habib Diarra
Played in a slightly deeper role to allow Talbi to play off the main striker. That definitely limited his influence but he was tidy and tenacious. 7
8. RW – Jocelin Ta Bi
Took him a little while to get him into the game but then made some statement. Heavily involved in all three goals, showing real quality for each one and particularly the third which was a wicked cross. Disciplined in the second and helped his team out by winning a lot of fouls. 9
9. CAM – Chemsdine Talbi
Certainly owes Ta Bi for his goal but to be fair he started the move with some good play and was in a good position to make sure it crossed the line. A real threat again in a central position and certainly took his chance to catch the eye. Understandably a little quieter in the second half as Sunderland dropped off to defend their lead. 8 | Chris Fryatt
10. LW – Malick Fofana
A good header at the back post to put Sunderland three up and to get his first goal for the club. Much of Sunderland’s attacking threat came down the right flank but Fofana has shown more confidence and intent in his last two appearances. 7 | Sunderland Echo, Chris Fryatt
11. ST – Timur Tutierov
Took his goal very well and though physically it was a tough night against Brentford’s centre backs his willingness to constantly run in behind caused them all sorts of problems and led to the third goal. Can be very proud and pleased with his progress. 7 | Chris Fryatt, Echo
12. Sub – Chris Rigg
Worked hard and got into some excellent positions that he might feel he could have made more of. 6 | AFP via Getty Images
13. Sub – Luke O’Nien
Had a really good defensive impact to help his team over the line including one very good goalline clearance. 7 | Chris Fryatt
14. Sub – Thomas Meunier
Steady on his return and huge for Sunderland to have him back ahead of a crucial run of games. 6 | Getty Images
15. Sub – Tom Proctor
Led the line for the final ten minutes and worked hard as Sunderland defended their lead. N/A | Chris Fryatt, Echo
16. Sub – Felix Scott
Came on in stoppage time. A big moment to make his senior debut. N/A | Sunderland AFC
