Chelsea 0-3 Sunderland (14/11/10)

Chelsea fall to their first home defeat of the season against unlikely Sunderland.

Chelsea have missed the opportunity to enhance their lead at the top of the table. With draws from both Manchesters United and City, the door was open for the Blues to take further distance themselves from their northern rivals, and stake a five point lead in the Premiership race.

However goals Onuoha, Gyan and Welbeck saw Sunderland seal an unlikely victory against the reigning champions.

Chelsea almost took an early lead as Anelka was put through on goal, but goalkeeper Craig Gordon, quick out of his box, and able to clear the opportunity. The Blues came close again with shots from Zhirkov and Malouda, and a long range free kick from Didier Drogba, but all failed to beat Godon in the Sunderland goal.

With Chelsea failing to capitalise on their chances, Sunderland took control towards the end of the half, and were only denied of an opener by terrific stops from Petr Cech.

Although constant pressure from Sunderland proved too much for Chelsea on the 45 minute mark as on-loan Onuoha skillfully took the ball past several hapless defenders to slot home a slick finish from ten yards.

Sunderland started the second half in similar fashion to how they had finished the first. Six minutes in, and a pair of well worked passes gifted Asamoah Gyan with an excellent opportunity. The 25 year old Ghanian narrowly beat the offside trap and finished with ease to double Sunderland's lead.

Chelsea responded with strikes from Drogba and Anelka, but both flew high over the bar.

A Sunderland victory was guaranteed four minutes from time, when Ashley Cole's feeble back pass into the Chelsea penalty area was picked up by Danny Welbeck who tapped his shot past hapless Cech.

Chelsea now sit only two points clear of Arsenal, who beat Everton 2-1 at Goodison Park.