Hull City knocked out of EFL Cup by Sunderland: Talbi's first start settles tie

Hull City were eliminated from the EFL Cup on Tuesday night, losing 1-0 to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. Chemsdine Talbi, who had been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, scored the only goal of the third-round tie on his first start of the season.

  • Date: Tuesday (EFL Cup third round)
  • Opponent: Sunderland
  • Competition: EFL Cup
  • Result: Hull City 0-1 Sunderland
  • Key fact: Chemsdine Talbi scored the winning goal, his first of the season, after being confirmed to stay at Sunderland.

Team news

Starting XI: The source does not provide Hull City's starting XI or Sunderland's full line-up. It states Sunderland made 11 changes from their previous league game against Brentford.

What was said

Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris praised his squad depth after the win, saying:

"These guys showed today that they are competitive. We played with 11 new players, which means that we have 11 others from the game against Brentford. So we have 22 at the minute, and with that, we can play every competition. With injuries, we'll see, but at the minute, we're happy to go forward."

— Regis Le Bris

The numbers

Talbi appeared in 30 matches for Sunderland during the 2025-26 campaign, scoring four goals, including one in a Tyne-Wear derby win over Newcastle United. He had been left out of Sunderland's Europa League squad amid reports of a potential transfer to a Saudi Pro League club.

How to watch

The source does not provide broadcast information for this match.

Talbi's decisive moment

The match was settled by a brilliant breakaway goal from Chemsdine Talbi, who marked his first start of the season with the decisive strike. The Morocco international had been the subject of speculation, but Sunderland's director of football Florent Ghisolfi confirmed prior to the cup clash that Talbi "had interest" but "will stay with us".

Hull City, competing in the Premier League this season, were unable to find an equaliser and exit the EFL Cup at the third-round stage. The Tigers will now turn their attention back to league matters.

Talking points

  • Talbi's future resolved: The winger will not be leaving Sunderland this month, as confirmed by the club's director of football.
  • First start of the season: Talbi made his first start and scored the winning goal, kickstarting his campaign.
  • Sunderland's squad depth: Manager Regis Le Bris made 11 changes and still advanced, highlighting the strength in depth.

What happens next

Hull City will now focus on their Premier League campaign. The source does not specify their next fixture.

Frequently asked questions

Who scored the only goal for Sunderland?

Chemsdine Talbi scored the only goal of the match with a brilliant breakaway goal.

Was Chemsdine Talbi linked with a transfer away from Sunderland?

Yes, he was reportedly linked with a move to a club in the Saudi Pro League, but Sunderland's director of football Florent Ghisolfi confirmed he will stay.

How many changes did Sunderland make for this match?

Sunderland made 11 changes from their previous league game against Brentford, according to manager Regis Le Bris.

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