[Player Ratings] Chelsea 1-2 Sunderland: Poor Blues Title Hopes Dashed

Chelsea’s chances of winning the Premier League title were snatched from their hands against Sunderland who increased their own survival hopes with a 2-1 win.

Jose Mourinho suffered his first ever home league defeat as manager of Chelsea after a late and controversial Fabio Borini penalty -currently on loan from title rivals Liverpool- ensured the Blues’ title destiny is no longer in their hands.

Samuel Eto’o had opened the scoring against the Premier League’s bottom club in the 12th minute but Chelsea were pegged back at Stamford Bridge by a Connor Wickham strike.

And it took an 82nd minute penalty to decide the tie, Mike Dean pointing to the spot when Jozy Altidore appeared to be tripped by Cesar Azpilicueta. Assistant coach Rui Faria had to be restrained by Mourinho as he sought to confront Dean about the decision to award the penalty and Mourinho’s sarcastic post-game comments ‘congratulating’ the referee on his performance is likely to land him in hot water.

The result was Mourinho’s first and only league defeat in 78 games and leaves Chelsea two points behind first placed Liverpool who have a trip to Norwich on Sunday as a game in hand.

Player Ratings

Schwarzer- 5- it wasn’t clear whether Cech was injured or just rested but the understudy underperformed. Should have done better to hold the initial shot from which Wickham equalised.

Azpilicueta- 5- gave away the penalty which condemned Chelsea to defeat (and may just cost them the title).

Terry- 7- kept Sunderland’s shots on target count down to just three and was fairly untroubled. Had the ball in the net but Chelsea were penalised for a Matic foul.

Cahill- 6- a solid game- composed and passed well.

Ivanovic- 6- went close to scoring with a header, forcing Mannone into a top-drawer save over the bar.

Ramires- 5- not his best game and should have seen red for a seemingly intentional arm which struck Larsson in the face.

Matic- 6- showed a good range of passing in midfield and caused problems in the opposition area.

Willian- 7- one of Chelsea’s best performers. Tireless on the wing and delivered the corner from which Eto’o opened the scoring. Man of the Match

Oscar- 7- seemed to have the better of Cattermole who was very well acquainted with the Brazilian. Had a shot from outside the area which Mannone did well to save but the midfielder just couldn’t quite influence the game in the way he would have liked.

Salah- 5- after a string of promising substitute appearances, the Egyptian disappointed in a rare start. Substituted after an hour.

Eto’o- 7- fantastic start, netting inside 12 minutes. Also went close to doubling his lead shortly after half-time. A threat throughout.

Subs

Ba- 6- on for Oscar after an hour. Was lively but missed a guilt-edged chance to re-take the lead.

Schurrle- 5- his shot from outside the area which Mannone did brilliantly to divert was just about his only contribution.

Torres- 6-  on for Eto’o for the final 15 minutes and produced a lively showing, going close on a number of occasions.

Watch the goals from the game here

What did you make of Mourinho’s first ever league defeat at Stamford Bridge?…The Blues had 31 shots on target- does that show how wasteful they are or was it simply an unlucky day?…Did you think it was a penalty?…The Premier League title is now out of Chelsea’s hands- do you think Liverpool will slip up and can the Blues win at Anfield next week?…please leave your comments below…