Substitute Chemsdine Talbi scored a 93rd-minute winner as newly promoted Sunderland stunned Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. The victory extends Sunderland's return to the Premier League and lifts them to second in the table, while halting Chelsea's recent winning run.
Chelsea took an early lead in the fourth minute when Alejandro Garnacho netted his first goal for the club. The winger cut in from the left after a counterattack initiated by Pedro Neto and shot low through the legs of Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs. However, Sunderland equalized in the 22nd minute when Wilson Isidor stabbed home from close range after Chelsea failed to defend a long throw-in from Nordi Mukiele.
Despite dominating possession, Chelsea struggled to break down Sunderland's defense for the remainder of the match. The hosts, missing the creativity of the injured Cole Palmer, created few clear opportunities, with Marc Guiu ineffective on his first league start upfront. Sunderland remained disciplined and competitive throughout.
The decisive moment arrived deep into stoppage time. Sunderland launched a counterattack, with substitute Brian Brobbey holding the ball up against two defenders before laying it off to Talbi. The Morocco winger calmly curled a low shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the area, sealing a memorable win for Régis Le Bris's side.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca lamented his team's performance and inconsistency. "We were not good enough," Maresca said. "We didn’t create a lot apart from the goal. We struggled... If you want to be there, you need consistency." Regarding the winning goal, he added, "We were two vs. one... It's an easy situation to defend. In that case we have to do better." Sunderland boss Le Bris praised his team's togetherness: "It's important to grab this opportunity when possible... We need the starters and the finishers. It was the case today."