Sunderland brush aside Brentford to reach quarters

Sunderland put aside their Premier League struggles to book a place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals with victory over Brentford.

Despite being second best for much of the first half, the Black Cats stormed into a 3-0 lead with three goals in 13 minutes at the Stadium of Light.

Chemsdine Talbi began the scoring when he tapped home from less than a yard away after brilliant work from Joceline Ta Bi.

Three minutes later, Ta Bi was heavily involved again when he worked room in the box to pick out Tymur Tutierov, who finished with ease.

Then, in the 39th minute, the Stadium of Light erupted for a third time and it was largely down to Ivory Coast speedster Ta Bi – who assisted again when Malick Fofana headed home his back-post cross.

Brentford pulled a goal back before the break when former Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson bundled in a volley into the bottom corner.

Sunderland boss Regis le Bris had made 11 changes to the side that drew 0-0 with Leeds United on Sunday, but the league’s bottom club showed quality to take control against the Bees, who are sixth in the table.

Striker Igor Thiago, who has struggled for goals this season, came close in the 65th minute, but could not make contact with his diving header.

But the Brazilian did get his goal in added time with a trademark bullet header, but it was too little, too late for Brentford as Sunderland claimed a last-eight spot for the first time since 2022.

They will visit Crystal Palace, who have also had a disappointing start to the campaign, but won at Fulham on Wednesday night.