Sunderland held on for a dramatic 2-1 victory over Chelsea at the Stadium of Light, with Trai Hume's first-half strike proving decisive despite an own goal and late Chelsea pressure.
Sunderland claimed a crucial three points in their battle for mid-table security, while Chelsea's top-eight hopes took a blow. The hosts entered the match on the back of mixed form, sitting tenth with 51 points from 37 games. Chelsea arrived eighth with 52 points, just one ahead, making this a significant clash between two sides seeking momentum before the season's close.
Sunderland made the perfect start when Trai Hume fired them ahead in the 25th minute. The left-back found space on the flank and delivered a clinical finish that gave the hosts an early advantage. Chelsea struggled to respond in the opening stages, with their expected goals figure of just 0.9 reflecting their lack of cutting edge in attack.
The first half remained tense but balanced. Sunderland dominated possession spells while Chelsea looked to hit on the counter. Nicolas Angulo received a yellow card in the 42nd minute as tensions rose. The home side carried their lead into the break, though Chelsea remained very much in the contest.
The second half began with immediate drama. Just four minutes after the restart, an own goal from Marcos Gusto leveled the match at 1-1. Chelsea's defender turned the ball past his own goalkeeper, handing Sunderland a lifeline they hadn't expected to need.
Cole Palmer restored Chelsea's hopes six minutes later in the 56th minute, finishing clinically to put the visitors ahead 2-1. The goal appeared to shift momentum toward the Blues. However, Sunderland refused to fold.
Chelsea's task grew harder when Wesley Fofana received a red card in the 62nd minute, reducing the visitors to ten men. The defender's dismissal changed the match's complexion entirely. Sunderland pressed their numerical advantage with renewed intensity.
The closing stages saw Chelsea defend deep and desperately. Sunderland created chances but couldn't find a third goal. Chelsea's goalkeeper made five saves throughout the match, keeping his side in contention until the final whistle.
Statistically, Sunderland dominated with 21 total shots and 83 percent passing accuracy. They created an expected goals value of 1.94, higher than Chelsea's 0.9. The hosts' control was evident in their 45 percent possession, forcing Chelsea to play more directly.
Hume earned a rating of 8.2 for his performance, combining his crucial goal with defensive contributions. Palmer matched his intensity with a 7.6 rating despite the loss. Granit Xhaka controlled midfield for Sunderland with a 7.6 rating across 103 minutes.
The result keeps Sunderland's survival hopes alive while dealing Chelsea a setback in their push for European qualification. Sunderland rise to tenth with 54 points, while Chelsea slip to eighth with 52 points. Both teams have just one match remaining.
