Sunderland stunned Chelsea to win 2-1 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday as the Black Cats continued their incredible start to life back in the Premier League as they moved up to second place in the table.
WATCH — Full match replay
Chelsea took an early lead through Alejandro Garnacho but couldn’t build on it and Wilson Isidor equalized in the first half.
Both teams had chances to win it but it was Sunderland who snatched victory late on as Chemsdine Talbi curled home the winner in the 93rd minute to send the brilliant away fans wild.
With the win Sunderland move on to 17 points from their opening nine games of the season, while Chelsea remain on 14 points.
Chelsea lack intensity as Sunderland soar
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea should have been full of confidence but they turned up at Stamford Bridge like they had already won this game. In-form and stubborn Sunderland had other ideas. Maresca made some intriguing lineup choices with Guiu and Garnacho starting and Chelsea never really got going in attack and lacked a general intensity throughout the game. It appeared they underestimate new boys Sunderland. Regis Le Bris has done a superb job to organize Sunderland so well, but they also have no fear and never looked scared of Chelsea. They rode their luck at times but they had big chances in the first half and proved how clinical they have been so far this season. Sunderland have the second-lowest shots on target per match and touches in the opposition box (only Burnley have fewer) but Sunderland have 17 points and sit second in the Premier League table. Le Bris and Co. have constructed a fine, well-balanced team and they can already start planning to be in the Premier League next season. The relegation favorites could qualify for Europe.
What’s next?
Chelsea head to Wolves on Wednesday in the last 16 of the League Cup, then head to Spurs on Saturday for a big London derby. Sunderland have a long break to soak in this win with their next game at home against Everton on Monday, November 3.
Chelsea vs Sunderland score: 1-2
Garnacho 4'; Isidor 22', Talbi 90+3'
Chelsea vs Sunderland live updates! — By Joe Prince-Wright
Sunderland surely win it in stoppage time!
Long ball forward for Brian Brobbey and he turns Tosin and sets up Talbi to slot home. What a moment for Sunderland!
Xhaka denied by Acheampong
That is a big chance for Sunderland as a ball over the top finds skipper Granit Xhaka. He cuts inside and goes to get a shot away but young defender Josh Acheampong does well and blocks the effort. Not an easy chance for Xhaka but he probably should have got a shot away.
Almost a goal straight away for Estevao!
Neto pulls it back and Estevao arrives with perfect timing (as he always seems to do). He smashes a shot towards goal which is probably going in, but it’s blocked superbly. Chelsea pushing hard for that second goal now. Estevao’s arrival has really given the home fans a lift.
Estevao is on for Garnacho
Huge roar from the Chelsea fans as Estevao comes on to replace Garnacho. The latter is not happy and is shaking his head, but aside from the goal he hasn’t been involved much. Estevao is going to play on the right wing with Pedro Neto swapping to the left wing.
Sunderland have started the second half well
Really positive start to the second half from Sunderland and they are causing plenty of problems with set pieces and crosses into the box. Chelsea aren’t playing the ball quickly enough. That said, Chelsea almost get clear on the counter but the ball is just behind Garnacho as he looked to go through on goal.
Half time: Chelsea 1-1 Sunderland
Really good first half at the Bridge as Chelsea took an early lead but Sunderland had a right go and deserved their equalizer. Open game with chances at both ends. Chelsea have plenty of options on the bench and Enzo Maresca will surely freshen things up very soon in the second half. Sunderland are playing with real confidence, and why not after their brilliant start to the season?
Roefs denies Garnacho
A corner is flicked on and Garnacho does well to slide in and send an effort on goal, but the excellent Robin Roefs shuffles across his line and saves well. The Dutch goalkeeper has been magnificent this season. Chants of “Roefssssssss!” from the away end follow.
Isidor hits the side-netting
Lovely pass from Granit Xhaka and Isidor is away from his marker, but his powerful shot hits the side-netting. Sunderland are full of confidence. Chelsea’s fans getting a little restless with how often they’re losing the ball.
Long throw causes chaos as Isidor equalizes!
A long throw from Mukiele is flicked on and a shot on goal is blocked, but only to Wilson Isidor who finishes from close range. Sunderland equalize! They probably deserve that given how adventurous they’ve been.
Shots Cucurella, Caicedo blocked
A corner is whipped in and Cucurella’s shot is blocked, as it spins to Moises Caicedo and his deflected effort flies just over. Garnacho, Guiu and Neto have been lively too.
Cucurella almost finishes
A cross is whipped in from the right and Guiu can’t get on the end of it but the onrushing Cucurella almost finishes, but he’s under pressure. Chelsea flying now.
Garnacho finishes!
On the counter Pedro Neto does superbly to find Alejandro Garnacho on the left and he runs at Mukiele, beats him easily and his low shot squirms through Roefs. 1-0 to Chelsea with their first shot of the game! And that. is Garnacho’s first goal for Chelsea.
Ballard with a free header at the back post
Wow. Huge chance for Sunderland with a minute on the clock. The ball is whipped to the back post and Dan Ballard is totally free but his header is tame and Sanchez saves easily. It was difficult to generate power on that, but Ballard should have done better. Bright start from Sunderland!
Chelsea lineup
Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Acheampong, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Joao Pedro, Garnacho; Guiu
Sunderland lineup
Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, Geertruidam, Ballard, Reinildo; Traore, Xhaka, Sadiki, Le Fee; Isidor
Chelsea team news, focus
OUT: Malo Gusto (suspension), Benoit Badiashile (muscular), Cole Palmer (groin - MORE), Dario Essugo (thigh), Levi Colwill (torn ACL - MORE), Mykhailo Mudryk (suspension), Liam Delap (thigh)
Sunderland team news, focus
OUT: Omar Alderete (concussion), Habib Diarra (groin), Aji Alese (shoulder), Romaine Mundle (thigh), Leo Fuhr Hjelde (achilles), Dennis Cirkin (wrist)
Chelsea vs Sunderland preview
Both title-hopeful Chelsea and newly-promoted Sunderland boast 4-2-2 records through eight games, the Blues +7 goal differential putting them in fifth place to the Black Cats +3 in seventh place.
So Sunderland won’t catch Chelsea off guard, though Regis Le Bris’ Black Cats have played by far the easiest set of fixtures in the Premier League so far this season.
Wins are wins, though, and Chelsea have claimed three points in their last two Premier League matches. Enzo Maresca’s Blues snapping out of a three-match winless lull by beating Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.
Chelsea vs Sunderland prediction
There are still plenty of injuries for both sides, but Chelsea are obviously better equipped in the depth department. Enzo Fernandez’s status will swing how comfortable this looks in the end, but expect Chelsea to rain on Sunderland’s parade in a bit of a reality check. Chelsea 2-0 Sunderland.
How to watch Chelsea vs Sunderland live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 10am ET Saturday
Venue: Stamford Bridge — West London
TV Channel: Peacock
Streaming: Stream live on Peacock
