Sunderland booked their place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals with an impressive 3-2 victory over Brentford on Wednesday night. Regis Le Bris made 11 changes to his starting XI, yet the Black Cats still raced into a three-goal lead inside the opening 40 minutes before surviving a late scare.

The result offered plenty of positives for Le Bris’s side, who have struggled at both ends of the pitch in the Premier League this season. Here are three things we learned from Sunderland’s EFL Cup fourth-round win at the Stadium of Light.

1. Sunderland’s squad depth sends Regis Le Bris a clear message

Sunderland made 11 changes against Brentford but still raced into a 3-0 lead inside the opening 40 minutes. Almost everyone delivered, giving Regis Le Bris plenty to think about when selecting his starting XI against Coventry this weekend.

Jules Ahoka showed his quality in midfield, reading the game well and playing a perfectly weighted pass through to Jocelin Ta Bi for the opening goal. Omar Alderete also looked assured at centre-back after a difficult start to the season.

Performances like these show that Le Bris has plenty of options beyond his usual starters, with competition for places helping to keep standards high across the squad.

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POZNAN, POLAND – 2026/10/22: Timur Tuterov (L) and Luke O'Nien (R) of Sunderland celebrate a goal during the UEFA Europa League match between Lech Poznan and AFC Sunderland at Enea Stadium Poznan. Final score: Lech Poznan 1:1 AFC Sunderland.

Their lack of goals has been a major concern, so seeing Jocelin Ta Bi, Malick Fofana and Timur Tutierov all find the net against Brentford was an encouraging sign.

The Black Cats’ attacking display was not simply a case of taking their chances, either. According to FotMob, they created 2.37 expected goals (xG), suggesting their three-goal haul was backed up by the quality of opportunities they produced.

It was a timely reminder that Sunderland have other players capable of delivering in front of goal rather than relying so heavily on Brian Brobbey.

3. Kevin Danso reminds Sunderland of his defensive quality

Kevin Danso endured a difficult moment against Bournemouth when he brought down Evanilson as the striker raced through on goal. The 28-year-old received a straight red card in the 17th minute and missed Sunderland’s draw with Leeds United through suspension.

However, Danso returned to the starting XI against Brentford and delivered an excellent performance. He recorded a game-high 12 defensive contributions, including eight clearances, three blocks and one tackle.

The Tottenham loanee looked composed and dependable against Brentford, strengthening his case to start against Coventry this weekend. His costly mistake against Bournemouth should not overshadow the qualities he brings to Sunderland’s defence.