AFC Sunderland has continued its winning streak. Despite the Blues dominating throughout the game, the Black Cats scored a surprise winning goal out of nowhere shortly before the end.
With considerable momentum behind them after their 5-1 win over Ajax Amsterdam, the Blues went into the match against newly promoted Sunderland, who were level on points with them, but fielded an almost completely changed lineup. Only Enzo Fernandez, Caicedo, and Guiu were retained in the starting lineup by Enzo Maresca.
Regis Le Bris took a much more conservative approach: Reinildo and Geertruida came in for Alderete and Rigg, bringing two new faces to the team that beat Wolves 2-0, as well as a new formation. The Black Cats lined up in a 5-4-1 to face the favorites, who quickly broke down the East Coast stronghold. In the 4th minute, the ball was quickly played forward to Garnacho, who celebrated his first goal for Chelsea FC.
Mukiele’s throw-in: Isidor is in the right place
After taking the lead, however, the home side failed to convert their dominance into further goals, which is why a throw-in brought the Black Cats back into the game. Traoré’s shot from Mukiele’s cross from the sideline was deflected to Isidor, who coolly slotted home (22′).
The Blues had numerous dangerous chances before the break, while Sunderland didn’t really threaten, with two attempts from Isidor (28′) and Traoré (43′). Chelsea came close to making it 2-1 in the final minutes before the break, but Roefs prevented Garnacho from scoring a brace and Chalobah from scoring with a powerful long-range shot (40′, 44′).
Estevao’s momentum also fizzles out
Not much changed in the second half: Chelsea played, but were less dangerous than before the break. It was only substitute Estevao who brought new momentum, but he was decisively pressured by Geertruida shortly after coming on (61′). Moments earlier, Acheampong had stopped a dangerous counterattack at the other end.
The home side kept trying in the last 30 minutes. Again and again, they played the ball into the box of the newly promoted side. However, they rarely created any real danger. Most of the time, they were just a few centimeters short or lacked the final touch. This was the case with two attempts by Enzo Fernandez (71′).
Deep into stoppage time: Talbi shocks Chelsea
The game seemed to be over for a long time, before the visitors scored out of nowhere in stoppage time to make it 2-1: Brobbey controlled a long ball in the Blues’ penalty area and laid it off to the onrushing Talbi, whose low first-time shot found the far corner to secure a lucky win (90+3).
For the Blues, who lost for the first time after four consecutive wins, it’s back to business on Wednesday. In the League Cup, Chelsea face their last opponents, Sunderland: The Londoners will be away to Premier League bottom club Wolverhampton at 8:45 p.m. Sunderland, meanwhile, can enjoy a longer break and celebrate their three points. They will not be back in action until Monday, November 3, when they face Everton at home at 9 p.m.