An unexpectedly excellent point for Sunderland at the Bridge. Yes, Chelsea were poor and off the pace but credit to Sunderland for taking advantage. Bruce bravely went with two front men and the side responded as everyone had a good game.
Combing energy and commitment with some phases of excellent play Sunderland were rightful winners. Not allowing to Chelsea to settle on the ball they ensured the opponents didn't create any real chances in the opening thirty minutes or so and with the crowd quiet, the Black Cats began to push forward.
The pace of Welbeck and determined play of Gyan started to unsettle a makeshift Chelsea defence and it wasn't long before Sunderland fashion a series of excellent chances with Cech keeping them out. It was actually after a great double save by Cech that the opening goal of the game came.
Nedum Onuoha had followed the play froward from right back, picked up the ball near the edge of the area and dramatically ran through a gap of the center of the Chelsea defence, eluded a couple of chances and managed to scuff the ball into the far corner of the net.
Amusing when asked on the radio after the game if knew what he was going to do upon collecting the ball his response was to observer that he knew he was too far to shoot and just decided to push forward and see what happened.
In the second half it was fair to expect a response from the champions, but it never really came as again dogged defending from Sunderland (Zenden in particular was excellent in this regard) denied them a clear opening and seven minutes into the half a counter attack saw Welbeck combine with Henderson who played Gyan through on goal for the Ghanaian to finish comfortably.
Impressively Sunderland's work ethic didn't falter throughout the rest of game and Chelsea appeared to lack imagination enough to unlock and well organised defence. Turner and Bramble proving strong in the center as the full backs and wingers did well to keep Chelsea quiet on the flanks denying Cole and Boswinga the change to push forwards.
Sunderland's third came from a mistake from Cole as he undercooked a pass back to his 'keeper but it was a goal well deserved for young Wellbeck who I'd pick as today's man of the match for the red and whites.
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