From second league to second place - Sunderland silenced Stamford Bridge and jumped behind Arsenal

It was clear even before kickoff that Sunderland are no longer an easy target, and this match promised to be a tricky one for Enzo Maresca’s side — and so it proved. Chelsea took the lead through Garnacho’s first goal in blue, but Sunderland quickly hit back through Isidor. While the first half was packed with chances, the second half saw both teams slow down. Just when it looked like points would be shared at Stamford Bridge, Sunderland launched a counterattack worthy of three golden points, with Talbi’s goal sealing a 2–1 victory.

Chelsea and Sunderland went into halftime level at 1–1 after an entertaining first 45 minutes at Stamford Bridge, featuring quick goals, open play, and chances on both ends.

Sunderland had the first look at goal in the 2nd minute when Ballard met Bertrand Traore’s cross, but his effort lacked power and was comfortably gathered by Sanchez. Just two minutes later, Chelsea struck first through a lightning-fast counterattack. Pedro Neto led the break, releasing Alejandro Garnacho down the left flank — the young winger cut inside and fired past Roefs from a tight angle to make it 1–0 for the Blues. The goal is HERE!

The visitors almost replied in the 10th minute as Le Fee tried his luck from a direct free-kick about 20 meters out, only to see the ball sail narrowly over the crossbar. Chelsea continued to threaten — in the 13th minute, Moises Caicedo’s volley after a scramble in the box flew high, and moments later Garnacho went close again, dragging his left-footed shot wide. After Sunderland’s bright opening, Chelsea had clearly taken control of the game.

However, the visitors found a way back in the 22nd minute. From a long throw by Mukiele, the ball caused chaos in the box — Traore’s shot slipped through Joao Pedro’s legs and reached Isidor, who calmly slotted it past Sanchez to equalize at 1–1. The goal is HERE!

Isidor remained lively and nearly scored again in the 28th minute after a good move involving Granit Xhaka, but his powerful strike whistled just wide of the post.

Chelsea pushed to regain their lead before halftime. In the 40th minute, Garnacho once again came close when the ball fell to him after a corner, but Roefs produced a fine save to deny him. Two minutes later, Traore tested Sanchez with a low shot from 20 meters, but the Chelsea keeper handled it easily.

As the half drew to a close, Chalobah unleashed a long-range effort in the 44th minute, forcing Roefs into another save to preserve the 1–1 scoreline heading into the break.

The second half at Stamford Bridge offered far fewer clear-cut chances compared to the opening period, with Chelsea controlling possession but struggling to break down Sunderland’s disciplined defense.

The best opportunities for the Blues came through Enzo Fernandez midway through the half. In the 68th minute, the Argentine midfielder connected on a well-placed pass and struck a volley from the edge of the box, but his shot lacked the necessary power, allowing Roefs to make a routine save.

Just three minutes later, Fernandez tried again — this time from around 20 meters out — yet once more his effort went straight at the Sunderland goalkeeper, who comfortably collected the ball.

Just when it seemed all over, Sunderland found one last chance on the counter — and they made it count. A long ball was sent deep into Chelsea’s half, Brobbey held it up perfectly and waited for Talbi’s run. Once he arrived, the Sunderland player had no trouble beating Sanchez to complete the move. The goal is HERE!

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 9

Friday

Leeds - West Ham 2-1 (1-0)

/Aaronson 13, Rondon 15 - Fernandes 90/

Saturday

Chelsea - Sunderland 1-2 (1-1)

/Garnacho 4 - Isidor 22, Talbi 90+3/

Newcastle - Fulham 2-1 (1-0)

/Murphy 18, Guimaraes 90 - Lukic 56/

19.30: (2.00) Manchester Utd. (3.50) Brighton (3.70)

22.00: (4.20) Brentford (4.30) Liverpool (1.75)

Sunday

17.00: (1.42) Arsenal (4.50) Crystal Palace (7.75)

17.00: (4.40) Aston Villa (3.50) Manchester City (1.85)

17.00: (1.75) Bournemouth (3.90) Nottingham Forest (4.50)

17.00: (2.00) Wolverhampton (3.35) Burnley (4.00)

19.30: (2.40) Everton (3.35) Tottenham (2.95)

***odds are subject to change***