Phil Smith: I watched Sunderland's win over Hull City and these were my key conclusions | OneFootball

Sunderland reached the Carabao Cup fourth round by beating Hull City at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday, and there were encouraging signs amid wholesale rotation.

Sunderland Echo notes the competition sits low given limited rewards and the extra Europa League schedule. Régis Le Bris made 11 changes, using the tie to build fitness.

Hull’s head coach felt it was 50-50 and that his side might have had an early penalty. Sunderland produced good passages and, on balance, merited progression. Le Bris said they would go game by game and, if injuries remain kind, he should have the depth to give it a go. The next round arrives in late October, after the early Europa League block.

Jules Ahoka impressed on debut at holding midfield despite only four senior European club appearances. Calm on the ball, strong in the air and increasingly assured, he looked smart succession planning. Signed as Granit Xhaka’s understudy, his minutes may be limited for now.

Depth looks healthier than 12 months ago, when a changed side went out on penalties to League One Huddersfield Town. Chris Rigg is a genuine option, with Dayann Methalie and Malick Fofana growing into the game.

After a week of uncertainty, Chemsdine Talbi stayed and delivered, a menace who produced the game’s standout moment to settle it. Injuries to Romaine Mundle and Habib Diarra underlined why a move abroad would have left Sunderland light.

Teenager Tom Proctor earned a debut after pre-season. A boyhood fan, he follows dad, coach Michael.

Source: Sunderland Echo

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