James Copley: 11 reasons to be positive about Sunderland as Carabao Cup display gives Régis Le Bris fresh hope
Sunderland's Carabao Cup display against Brentford offered Régis Le Bris plenty of reasons for optimism
Sunderland's Carabao Cup performance against Brentford provided a timely reminder of the quality within Régis Le Bris' squad, with several fringe players delivering impressive performances and giving their manager plenty to think about.
The Black Cats have endured a difficult start to the Premier League season, but there was plenty to admire about the energy, attacking quality and attitude shown by a much-changed team against strong opposition.
One performance does not erase Sunderland's problems, but there are genuine reasons for encouragement as Le Bris looks to turn his side's league fortunes around.
1. Habib Diarra gives Le Bris tactical flexibility
Habib Diarra has been desperately unfortunate with injuries since arriving at Sunderland as the club's then-record signing. However, his performance against Brentford offered an interesting glimpse of his potential role moving forward.
Diarra operated as a number eight in a midfield two, with Chemsdine Talbi playing further forward. It gives Le Bris another option if he wants to rotate Granit Xhaka or Noah Sadiki during a demanding schedule. He can also play as a number 10, providing cover for Enzo Le Fée, or from the right, as demonstrated by his assist for Wilson Isidor's winner against Fulham earlier this season. His versatility could prove invaluable.
2. Jocelin Ta Bi has announced himself
Jocelin Ta Bi started slowly against Brentford but quickly burst into life, eventually playing a part in all three Sunderland first-half goals.
His attacking quality was obvious, but his work rate without the ball was equally impressive. He pressed, tracked back and showed the intensity Le Bris demands from his attacking players. He looks like someone capable of changing games. In terms of forcing your way into a manager's plans, Ta Bi could hardly have made a better impression.
3. Melker Ellborg looks a capable deputy
Melker Ellborg produced an assured performance, making several excellent saves while looking commanding and comfortable in possession. Robin Roefs remains Sunderland's established first choice, but having another talented young goalkeeper capable of stepping into the side is hugely encouraging. Ellborg demonstrated composure, good reactions and the confidence required to compete at senior level. It was a shame about Brentford’s late second goal, but he will learn from it and showed some great qualities.
4. Malick Fofana's first goal could be massive
Malick Fofana has shown encouraging signs recently without consistently delivering the end product expected of him. His first Sunderland goal could therefore prove an important moment. The Belgian took his header well, but his defensive contribution was just as pleasing.
He worked tirelessly, tracked runners and demonstrated a willingness to contribute without possession. Sometimes a player simply needs that first goal to grow in confidence. Sunderland will hope this is the beginning of a more productive spell for a hugely talented footballer.
5. Chemsdine Talbi is rebuilding trust
It has been a frustrating campaign for Chemsdine Talbi, whose lack of Premier League opportunities has raised questions about his position in Le Bris' plans. However, his performance against Brentford was another step towards rebuilding that trust.
Talbi grabbed a goal, worked hard and demonstrated his versatility by operating both as a number 10 and further forward as a striker. He remains a technically gifted footballer capable of producing important moments. Given Sunderland's attacking problems, he could still become a valuable weapon for Le Bris.
6. Timur Tutierov continues to surprise
Timur Tutierov has been one of Sunderland's most pleasant surprises this season, particularly considering his career trajectory and relative lack of senior experience. The young striker added another goal against Brentford, following his European breakthrough against Lech Poznań, and worked extremely hard throughout.
He also contributed impressively to Fofana's goal. Tutierov has been handed opportunities partly because of injuries, but he deserves credit for taking them. There is plenty of development still required, but his emergence is encouraging.
7. Alan Browne reminds everyone of his value
Alan Browne made his first start of the season against Brentford, despite having played no Premier League football, and delivered an impressive performance in an unfamiliar right-back role. Beyond his contribution on the pitch, his professionalism deserves recognition.
It cannot be easy for an experienced player to find himself so far down the pecking order, but Browne continues to demonstrate his value when called upon. Successful squads need reliable professionals who contribute positively rather than become disruptive when opportunities are limited. Browne appears to embody those qualities.
8. Jules Ahoka looks the real deal
It is difficult not to get excited about Jules Ahoka. The midfielder was an absolute machine against Brentford, combining athleticism, physicality and tremendous energy with impressive technical quality. His contribution to Sunderland's opening goal was particularly eye-catching, while his ability to cover ground and influence proceedings stood out throughout.
Sunderland must be careful not to place too much pressure on him, and consistency over a longer period remains essential. However, the early indications suggest his reported £8million fee could prove an absolute steal. He has the potential to become worth many times that figure.
9. Kevin Danso and Omar Alderete show improvement
Kevin Danso and Omar Alderete have both endured difficult spells recently, with poor performances and costly individual mistakes affecting Sunderland defensively. Neither was perfect against Brentford, but there were signs of improvement.
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Both looked more assured and produced encouraging moments against experienced opposition, including former Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson and Igor Thiago, who netted 25 goals last season. These are baby steps rather than definitive evidence of a return to form, but rebuilding confidence is important. Sunderland need their senior defenders performing closer to their established levels.
10. Thomas Meunier's return is another boost
Thomas Meunier's return from a hamstring injury was welcome news, with the Belgian introduced from the bench during the second half. His experience and tactical flexibility have been missed, particularly during a period when Sunderland have struggled to keep their senior players available.
Having Meunier back provides Le Bris with another option ahead of Saturday's important Premier League trip to Coventry City, even if his minutes must initially be managed carefully.
11. Sunderland's fringe players have sent a message
Perhaps the biggest positive was the collective attitude of Sunderland's fringe players. Their intensity, commitment and willingness to work for one another were hugely encouraging. This was a strong Brentford side, yet Sunderland's much-changed team competed impressively and demonstrated genuine attacking quality.
That should send a message to the established Premier League starters. Places cannot be taken for granted, and several players have now made compelling cases for greater involvement. Sunderland's goalscoring struggles in the league are well documented, but this performance demonstrated that there are goals within the squad.
The challenge is translating that confidence into Premier League results. Nevertheless, with injured players returning, youngsters emerging and competition for places increasing, Le Bris has genuine reasons for optimism ahead of Coventry.