Guus Hiddink named the same back four that featured against Tottenham Hotspur last time out. Courtois made it to the starting XI for the team as well after missing couple of games due to suspension.
The only change, the interim manager did was of Hazard who was introduced in place of Pedro in the left wing.
Chelsea were dominating the game with most of the possession at their favour, but Sunderland’s attack was troubling Chelsea’s back four at times. And the second half changed the entire course of the game as the Black cats took the charge in their hands.
The opening goal of the game came in the 14th minute, when Diego Costa found the net from a very tight angle. The goal was thought to be an offside one, but it was given in favour of the Blues.
Sunderland reacted in the dying minutes of the first half when Khazri scored through a right footed screamer that ripped the rigging of Chelsea’s net.
Sunderland turned the things around in the 69th minute through Defoe. The Englishman scored the 3 third goal for the black cats after being 2-1 down. Sunderland exploited Chelsea from the wide areas majorly, and were punished badly for the same.
The game finished in favour of Sunderland and that provided a huge boost as the team might escape the relegation zone.
Courtois- 5.5/10
Was beaten three times in the game, but honestly, couldn’t have done anything to stop the shots.
Azpilicueta- 5/10
Made some great forward runs that caused problems for Sunderland’s defence, but was poor in his defending. Needed a support while defending as he looked sloppy in the same.
Terry- 5.5/10
Captain John Terry provided the much needed leadership to stabilize the team in the entire game. He was sent off in the 94th minute for a ruthless challenge on Khazri.
Cahill- 5/10
Was booked in the first minute of the game, but played calmly in the rest of the game. Both the center backs were unable to keep a hold on Defoe who eventually scored the winner.
Ivanovic- 5/10
Worked well in the first half, but lost his positioning in the second completely and was eventually replaced by Baba Rahman in the 67th minute.
Mikel- 4/10
An average game as always. Didn’t had much impact on the game. Tried to deflect Sunderland’s cross, but it ended in the back of the net as Defoe took full advantage of the deflection. He was then replaced by youngster Bertrand Traore.
Matic- 6.5/10
Scored the second goal for the team with great composure on 45+4th min and also marked his second ever goal in the campaign this season. Had a good first half, but didn’t have any impact in the second half.
Willian- 6/10
Had an average game, and was mostly overshadowed by the performance of Eden Hazard. Tried to find the top corner through a free kick, but saw his shot saved by Mannone.
Fabregas- 6.5/10
Was the distributor for the team in the entire game and did his job perfectly well.
Hazard- 6.5/10
Looked unstoppable in his sprinting and gave away a great performance overall.
Costa- 6.5/10
Combined well with Hazard and Fabregas at times and scored the first goal for the team and gave a very physical approach to the game. Had a couple of chances to increase the lead, but fired the shots straight to the keeper.