Chelsea were frustrated at the Stadium of Light as they dropped points for just the third time this season thanks to a goalless draw.
Chelsea were unable to find a winning goal in a scrappy game despite remaining unchanged from the side that thrashed Schalke in midweek.
Chelsea made a promising start and bossed the first ten minutes or so but struggled to get a hold on the game as Sunderland started to threaten increasingly.
The Blues were forced into long range efforts as Sunderland organised themselves well on the edge of their own box, frustrating the league’s runaway leaders.
Oscar and Matic tried their luck from distance on more than one occasion but the best effort of the half came from Willian, who’s powerful, skimming shot was tipped onto the post by Costel Pantillimon.
Overall though, it was a poor half from Mourinho’s men and the Chelsea boss would have undoubtably had some words to say to his team during the break.
It was the same story during the second half, as Chelsea struggled to find the ruthless, brilliant football that has seen them run away at the top of the league so far this season.
The home side looked most likely to win it as the game reached it’s climax, with Courtois having to having a couple of saves that kept the game goalless.
Coupled with the 0-0 scoreline for Chelsea was the yellow card sustained by Diego Costa, meaning he will miss his side’s midweek clash with London rivals Tottenham.
It was an unsually quiet game from the striker, who was dragged off by Mourinho before the end of the game after one to many clashes with Sunderland defender John O’Shea.
Other key players including Cesc Fabregas and Eden Hazard having a poor game meant it would take something special from Chelsea to break down the resilliant Sunderland.
The most notable critisism of Chelsea has got to be their inability to adapt to Sunderland’s game plan in order to find a way to win, something Mourinhom will surely adress in the coming weeks.
The draw means we equal our club record of 15 unbeaten consecutive away games in all competitions, achieved in 1985/86. #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@chelseafc) November 29, 2014
Following the game, Mourinho admitted that a draw was the fair result and Sunderland did well to walk away with the point, despite his side’s best efforts.
Mourinho says Sunderland deserve plenty of credit for the clean sheet they achieved. #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@chelseafc) November 29, 2014
Despite the disappointing result, Chelsea remain unbeaten at the top, currently seven points clear with Southampton and Manchester City facing up to eachother on Sunday.
Sunderland 0-0 Chelsea – Match Facts:
- Eden Hazard played his 100th domestic appearance for the club today
- Sunderland have been involved in more goalless draws than any other Premier League side in 2014-15
- Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas both completed 95 passes today
- Sunderland: 21 tackles, 24 clearances, 21 interceptions
- Sunderland become the first team to prevent Chelsea from scoring in a single game in any competition this season
Source: Opta & Squawka
