Chemsdine Talbi delighted to score for Sunderland after AFCON

Morocco forward Chemsdine Talbi discussed his performance after he helped Sunderland secure a 3-0 Premier League win against Burnley at Stadium of Light on Monday.

The winger found the net for the third time this season, helping the Black Cats bounce back in emphatic fashion following last weekend’s defeat at West Ham.

 

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He scored the third goal in the 72nd minute after Senegal midfielder Habib Diarra had grabbed a brace in the ninth and 32nd minutes respectively.

Talbi arrived at Sunderland from Club Brugge

“It feels really good,” Talbi told Sunderland website after the game. “Coming back into the starting XI and scoring is always special, but the most important thing is the team performance.

“We showed the right mentality from the first minute.”

He added: “We spoke a lot during the week about our reaction. Last week wasn’t good enough by our standards, so it was about showing character. I think you could see that on the pitch with the intensity, the togetherness, and the desire to put things right.”

 

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Having returned recently from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) duty, Talbi admitted it was pleasing to make an immediate impact and contribute to a dominant team display.

Talbi signed a five-year contract with the Black Cats

“I feel good physically and mentally,” he explained. “The staff have helped me a lot since coming back, and the boys have been brilliant. It’s nice to be back out there, enjoying my football and helping the team.”

Talbi arrived at Sunderland from Club Brugge in a deal which could eventually be worth a £20.5m.

The 20-year-old signed a five-year contract with the Black Cats which will keep him at the Stadium of Light until at least 2029.

Talbi caps off commanding team performance

Talbi found the back of the net in the 72nd minute, finishing off a flowing attacking move to register his third league goal of the campaign. His strike came after Senegalese midfielder Habib Diarra had already put the hosts firmly in control, scoring twice in the ninth and 32nd minutes to give Sunderland a commanding first-half advantage.

Speaking to the club’s official website after the match, Talbi underlined the importance of both the result and the manner of the performance.

“It feels really good,” Talbi said. “Coming back into the starting XI and scoring is always special, but the most important thing is the team performance. We showed the right mentality from the first minute.”

The winger emphasised that Sunderland’s response was exactly what the squad had been aiming for following a disappointing outing in their previous match.

Strong reaction after setback

According to Talbi, the Black Cats spent much of the week focusing on how to respond positively and restore confidence within the group.

“We spoke a lot during the week about our reaction,” he added. “Last week wasn’t good enough by our standards, so it was about showing character. I think you could see that on the pitch with the intensity, the togetherness, and the desire to put things right.”

That intensity was evident throughout the match, as Sunderland pressed high, moved the ball with purpose, and limited Burnley to very few clear chances. Talbi’s pace and direct running repeatedly caused problems for the Clarets’ defence, stretching the play and creating space for his teammates.

Successful return from AFCON duty

The performance was particularly pleasing for Talbi, who has only recently returned from international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Morocco. The winger admitted that making an immediate impact after such a demanding tournament was a source of personal satisfaction.

“I feel good physically and mentally,” Talbi explained. “The staff have helped me a lot since coming back, and the boys have been brilliant. It’s nice to be back out there, enjoying my football and helping the team.”

His seamless reintegration into the starting lineup reflects both his fitness levels and the confidence the coaching staff have in his ability to influence games at the highest level.