Hull City handed first defeat of the season as Sunderland end their Cup hopes

The Tigers, who made eight changes for the contest, had their chances but couldn't find the back of the net as they were beaten 1-0 at the Stadium of Light.

Chemsdine Talbi scored the only goal of the game on Wearside, with the Morocco international breaking before lifting the ball over the head of Dillon Phillips.

Ultimately Premier League survival is City's priority this season and Sergej Jakirovic will be hoping for a brighter showing on Saturday when he takes his side to Chelsea.

Both sets of fans will have been excited to see their clubs' new signings in action and the visitors were almost rewarded with an instant Robinio Vaz impact. Latching onto a ball over the top, Vaz outmuscled his man, turned and drove towards the middle of the box before being bundled over by Luke O'Nien.

Referee Paul Tierney, who was well-positioned, waved his hands immediately to signal play on, but replays showed the Sunderland man had made contact with City's teenage striker, kicking his calf. With no VAR, City's appeals were in vain.

Ultimately, despite having plenty of the ball, that was the closest the visitors came to opening the scoring in the first half, with Sunderland having the best opportunities.

Talbi was a menace throughout and after winning a corner, he watched on as Jules Ahoka, on his Sunderland debut, brought a fine save out of Dillon Phillips.

Phillips was worked again toward the break, with Talbi's curling effort being tipped around the post.

Sunderland piled the pressure on at the start of the second half and found themselves camped on the edge of the Tigers' box. They never worked Phillips, though, and they nearly paid the price for it as Sorba Thomas forced a fine save out of Melker Ellborg with a curling free-kick.

Then came the goal as Sunderland broke down the field after a City set piece with pace and precision. The ball was played through for Talbi, who powered from inside his own half to the edge of the box before lobbing Phillips with plenty of finesse.

Joe Gelhardt should have equalised with less than 10 minutes remaining but he couldn't turn home Thomas' cross.

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