PLAYER RATINGS: BRENTFORD (LC)

Sunderland are through to the quarter finals of the League Cup after beating Brentford 3-2 at the Stadium of Light. Chemsdine Talbi gave the Lads the lead inside half an hour, before Timur Tuterov doubled the advantage just two minutes later. The third came from Malick Fofana, his first goal for the club, and late goals in both halves weren’t enough for the away side to rescue a penalty shootout.

MELKER ELLBORG: 7/10

He was doing really well until right at the death when he caused a goal. Made some really good saves throughout, kept it at 0-0 and then kept it at 3-1 a couple of times.

ALAN BROWNE: 7.5/10

Was really good, especially in the first half. Impressive, considering he’s barely played over the last few months.

KEVIN DANSO: 6.5/10

Contributed a lot defensively but had a couple of nervy moments, including slipping inside the box at one point and lapsed in concentration for their first.

OMAR ALDERETE: 8/10

Immense shift for his 60 minutes, looks back to his best and wasn’t afraid to get stuck in.

DAYANN METHALIE: 7/10

Played a key role in the second half and basically denied them anything down his side but was poor for the first goal with his marking.

CHEMSDINE TALBI: 8/10

Didn’t see a lot of the ball but did his job by making sure Jocelin Ta Bi’s effort definitely got over the line, the defender may have got to it otherwise.

JULES AHOKA: 8.5/10

Reliable and solid, as we’re starting to get used to from him. Great midfield work and wasn’t scared to get involved going forward either.

JOCELIN TA BI: 9.5/10

Man of the Match for me, set up all three goals and has been credited with the assists for the second and third. Ran his socks off all game too and this became key in the second half when we were under pressure and he became an outlet.

HABIB DIARRA: 7.5/10

Nothing flashy but performed well and did nothing wrong.

MALICK FOFANA: 8/10

Got his first Sunderland goal, which will hopefully set him away, and pressured their players well.

TIMUR TUTEROV: 8.5/10

Got himself about and positioned himself well for his goal.

SUBS:

CHRIS RIGG: 7/10

Worked hard after coming on but should have scored.

LUKE O’NIEN: 7/10

Had a bit of a dodgy moment towards the end of the game but made amends by clearing it off the line.

THOMAS MEUNIER: 7.5/10

Came on and dealt with what he had to with little difficulty.

TOM PROCTOR: 6.5/10

Didn’t get much of the ball but his pressing kept them occupied at the other end of the pitch.

FELIX SCOTT: N/A

Was on for a matter of seconds but good to see him making his debut.