Sunderland, bottom of the Premier League after eight games, booked a place in the last eight of the League Cup for the first time since 2021 courtesy of three first half goals.

And exciting Ivorian winger Jocelin Ta Bi, who had a hand in all three goals, was singled out for special praise by the Black Cats boss.

Chemsdine Talbi got things rolling in the 27th minute when he made sure Ta Bi’s effort crossed the line after goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson did his best to save it.

Less than two minutes later Ukrainian Timur Tutierov sidefooted in Sunderland’s second after clever work from Ta Bi, who then picked out the head of Malick Fofana for the third six minutes before the break.

Brentford striker Callum Wilson pulled one back from close range before half-time but Sunderland held firm until the fourth minute of stoppage-time when Igor Thiago’s header provided a late scare on Wearside.

The Black Cats, who made a full team of changes from the side that drew with Leeds in the Premier League on Sunday, had done enough to move through to the quarter-finals and set up a trip to Selhurst Park.

Le Bris said: “The first hour of this game really pleased me, it was a really good performance, against a strong side.

“The lads showed what we expect from them: hard work, a good connection and willingness to defend together.

“We know we have a nice challenge this season with the Europa League, the Carabao Cup and the league with a young squad.

“The process is not a straight line. The win can be really powerful because we had to show character and we delivered.

“Jocelin is the perfect example. He came from another country, he is so talented. He was brave…and to deliver those three key passes.

“This is the second season in the Premier League with the Europa League, so it is difficult. There is always a fine margin.

“It doesn’t disturb the whole process. We have to stay consistent and this was a good step today.”

Brentford boss Keith Andrews was left frustrated, knowing his side created enough chances before and after Sunderland’s goals to have won the game themselves.

Andrews, who made eight changes of his own from the weekend draw with Hull, said: “We were very ambitious in this competition to go as far as we could.

“We approached it in a very diligent way, playing Sunderland recently we know what they are about. We can’t concede goals like that in a short space of time, defend like that and expect a good outcome.

“The game is about both boxes. Granted there were some players who haven’t played for a while, but we pride ourselves in how we defend as a team.

“It was a crazy game but we have to look at ourselves, how we conceded those goals. You can’t describe those 12 minutes of madness. I had full faith in the team, we see them every day in training and unfortunately those minutes have cost us.”