Sunderland star throws up as major transfer twist and special family moment unfold against Hull City
The moments you may have missed as Sunderland faced Hull City in the Carabao Cup at the Stadium of Light
Sunderland turned their attention to the Carabao Cup as Championship side Hull City visited the Stadium of Light on Tuesday night.
Régis Le Bris had hinted beforehand that he would make wholesale changes, giving several summer signings, fringe players and academy prospects an opportunity to impress under the lights on Wearside.
The cup tie brought a different atmosphere and plenty of talking points away from the main action. Here are some of the moments you may have missed before, during and after Sunderland’s meeting with Hull.
New signings and Talbi transfer twist
Régis Le Bris made wholesale changes, giving competitive minutes to several players still settling into life at Sunderland. The crowd were given a closer look at Dayann Methalie, Jules Ahoka and Jocelin Ta Bi. With Sunderland competing on four fronts, those outside the Premier League XI had a chance to build rhythm and press for further involvement.
A transfer development broke before kick-off, with Chemsdine Talbi set to remain at Sunderland following speculation over his future. The winger had been left out of the squad at Brentford, with Le Bris confirming that a move remained possible and Sunderland unwilling to take an unnecessary risk. Talbi’s name was back on the teamsheet against Hull, and he marked his return in style.
Talbi scored Sunderland’s opening goal with a delightful second-half dink. It summed up how quickly life can change for a footballer: one minute he appeared to be heading elsewhere, the next he was scoring at the Stadium of Light. There was concern in the 84th minute when Talbi went down with nobody around him and received treatment on his right leg. He was replaced by Tom Proctor but walked off the pitch and appeared to be moving without any major discomfort.
Former Sunderland faces return
Joe Gelhardt was named among Hull’s substitutes. The former Sunderland loanee was warmly applauded by the home support when he entered the action during the second half. John Egan was another familiar face in the visiting squad. The former Sunderland academy graduate was introduced by Hull at half-time and received another opportunity to play at the stadium where his career began.
Hull City also started former Newcastle United left-back, Matt Targett. He was booed whenever he received the ball, jeered when substituted and serenaded by anti-Newcastle songs from the Sunderland support as he left the field at the Stadium of Light
Isidor and Ta Bi concerns
Wilson Isidor required attention after taking a knock towards the end of the first half, briefly causing concern before he was able to continue. The striker was then sick at the side of the pitch during the opening period, something quickly noticed by supporters inside the ground and commented upon online.
The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.
Jocelin Ta Bi also appeared to hurt his ankle following a strong challenge two minutes after the restart. The young attacker looked uncomfortable initially but recovered and was able to continue playing.
Special family moment for Tom Proctor
Talbi’s late problem opened the door for Proctor to make his competitive senior Sunderland debut. The academy prospect was introduced during the closing stages and received a reception. There was then a lovely moment at full-time as Proctor embraced his father Michael, the former Sunderland player and current staff member. It provided a fitting end to a memorable night for the family after Tom’s first competitive senior appearance at the Stadium of Light.