Chelsea were beaten 2-1 by Sunderland thanks to a stoppage-time strike from Chemsdine Talbi, with the Blues throwing away the chance to move into the Premier League's top four on Saturday. Alejandro Garnacho scored his first goal for the club since joining from Manchester United, but it mattered very little as the spirited Black Cats fought tooth and nail to claim a precious three points.
Though Sunderland pressed Chelsea high from the start and made the home fans a tad nervy, the hosts broke the deadlock inside five minutes. Pedro Neto picked the ball up in a central area and slipped through Garnacho, who hit his marker, Nordi Mukiele, with a couple of step-overs before firing under goalkeeper Robin Roefs with a left-footed drive.
Midway through the first half, the Black Cats drew level. Chelsea failed to deal with a long throw from Mukiele, and after Bertrand Traore's initial half-volley was blocked, Wilson Isidor reacted quickest to prod the loose ball home.
Garnacho nearly had a brace towards the end of the half when he reached the second ball from a corner, slamming an effort off the right arm of Roefs as the two sides went into the break on level terms.
Chelsea struggled to break down Sunderland in the second half and were made to pay for their passive nature when the Black Cats stole the win at the death. Substitute striker Brian Brobbey chased a long ball over the top and managed to hold off two Blues defenders, allowing Talbi to join the attack and sweep home to send the away end into delirium and his team into second place in the table.
GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Stamford Bridge…
Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence
Robert Sanchez (5/10):
Wasn't tested too much by way of shots, but Chelsea looked worse when they had to play right from the very back due to the Spaniard's nerves when on the ball.
Reece James (6/10):
Dug out a series of fine crosses which failed to be turned into goals. One of few performers who probably didn't deserve to be on the losing side.
Trevoh Chalobah (5/10):
Gobbled up Sunderland's long balls with his aerial prowess but wasn't as effective when attacks came on the floor.
Josh Acheampong (6/10):
A confident dribbler from the back, though drew the ire of his team-mates for not playing more directly down the left-hand side with his passes. Came up with a huge block to deny Xhaka before being replaced by Tosin.
Marc Cucurella (6/10):
A typically blood-and-thunder affair for the enigmatic left-back. Flew into challenges before going down the other end and crashing the box.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield
Moises Caicedo (5/10):
Swept up and plugged gaps as per usual, though given they had even more possession than by their lofty standards anyway, Chelsea would have benefitted with a bit more adventure from Caicedo when in possession.
Enzo Fernandez (5/10):
Took some wicked set pieces but ultimately failed to pick the lock from open play, which was a glaring issue with Sunderland defending so astutely.
Joao Pedro (4/10):
Likewise failed to provide that spark from the midfield into the final third that Chelsea sorely lacked. Moved up front late on before then being hauled off for George.
Getty Images SportAttack
Pedro Neto (6/10):
Silky as ever at full tilt, though this wasn't too often as Sunderland effectively put up a wall to stop those quick drives. Taken off for Santos late on.
Marc Guiu (4/10):
Plenty of eyes were on the centre forward after his loan to Sunderland was cut extremely short at the start of the season. Marked out of the game by former team-mate Dan Ballard and was taken off for Gittens.
Alejandro Garnacho (7/10):
Off the mark for Chelsea with a well-taken goal early doors, skipping past Mukiele before slotting home. Had the confidence to take on his man whenever he had the ball and was the Blues' best player in his 58 minutes on the pitch before being replaced by Estevao.
AFPSubs & Manager
Estevao Willian (5/10):
Subbed on for Garnacho. Lively immediately after coming on before fading into the background.
Jamie Gittens (5/10):
Came on for Guiu. As was the case with Chelsea's other wingers, couldn't really get into a groove against a deep block.
Tosin Adarabioyo (5/10):
Introduced for Acheampong. Didn't do enough to take the ball off Brobbey for Talbi's winner.
Andrey Santos (N/A):
A late sub in place of Neto.
Tyrique George (N/A):
Went up top after coming on for Pedro.
Enzo Maresca (3/10):
Chelsea were both predictable and toothless, which only emboldened Sunderland's aggressive and relentless defending. The hosts got what they deserved.