Sunderland delivered one of the shocks of the Premier League season on Saturday, defeating Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge with a stoppage-time winner from Chemsdine Talbi to climb to second in the table.
Back in the top flight for the first time in eight years, the Black Cats are defying expectations of a quick return to the Championship. Chelsea, meanwhile, were left ruing missed chances and a lack of creativity in attack.
The Blues made a flying start when Alejandro Garnacho netted his first goal for the club inside four minutes. But with teenage sensation Estevão left on the bench and Cole Palmer sidelined through injury, Mauricio Pochettino’s men struggled to maintain momentum.
Sunderland drew level in the 22nd minute after Wilson Isidor bundled home from close range following a defensive mix-up. Despite Chelsea’s second-half pressure — and the introduction of Estevão on the hour mark — the visitors held firm before striking late on the counter.
Talbi’s curling effort in the 93rd minute sealed a stunning win for Tony Mowbray’s side, leaving Chelsea seventh in the table and already drifting from title contention.
At St. James’ Park, Newcastle also grabbed a late victory as captain Bruno Guimarães fired home in the 90th minute to secure a 2-1 win over Fulham.
Jacob Murphy capitalised on a Calvin Bassey mistake to open the scoring for the Magpies, but Sasa Lukic’s header levelled things up just before the hour.
Marco Silva’s side, now suffering four consecutive defeats, were left empty-handed after Guimarães struck from close range following Bernd Leno’s save from William Osula’s shot.
The win lifts Eddie Howe’s Newcastle to 11th place, just three points off the top four.
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