Enzo Le Fee’s penalty proved the difference as Sunderland climbed off the bottom of the table with a win over Chelsea. Chelsea defender Levi Colwill brought down Brian Brobbey in the 36th minute, with Le Fee sending goalkeeper Mike Penders the wrong way from the spot.
Sunderland Player Ratings
Robin Roefs received a 7 after the Dutch goalkeeper was rarely tested but dealt comfortably with the attempts that came his way. Thomas Meunier earned an 8 following a solid and disciplined display at full-back while marking danger man Morgan Rogers, alongside a superb tackle in the box midway through the second half. Nordi Mukiele scored a 7 as the returning defender was a huge presence at the back, combining physicality with composure. Luke O’Nien was given a 6, as he was fortunate not to concede a penalty after making contact with Cole Palmer before VAR judged it to be just outside the box, and also tested the Chelsea goal early in the second half. Reinildo Mandava received a 7 after a busy afternoon where he was heavily tested down his flank by different big-name attackers. Trai Hume earned a 7 after seeing a well-struck left-footed volley blocked in the opening moments of the game alongside typically diligent defensive work. Noah Sadiki scored a 7 for producing a disciplined display, filling gaps in midfield and frustrating Chelsea’s attackers. Granit Xhaka went off injured after less than three minutes and was rated N/A. Enzo Le Fee received a 7 after his penalty sent Mike Penders the wrong way and proved the difference. Chemsdine Talbi earned a 7 after producing a wonderful cross in the 15th minute to create a chance for Brian Brobbey and playing an important role linking defence and attack on the counter. Brian Brobbey scored an 8 as a powerful presence up front; an early effort was scuffed wide, but he grew into the game, dominated Levi Colwill in several aerial duels, and came close to a brilliant solo goal before winning the penalty.
Among the substitutes, Jules Ahoka came on for Xhaka in the 4th minute, was booked shortly after, but played well despite being on a yellow card and was key in winning the ball in midfield, earning a 7. Wilson Isador replaced Brobbey in the 67th minute, and although it was a tough ask following Brobbey and he missed a big chance late on, he showed his energy to help his team over the line for a 6. Angulo and Rigg came on for Talbi and Le Fee respectively in the 88th minute, while unused substitutes were Ellborg, Danso, Methalie, Tutierov, and Fofana.
Chelsea Player Ratings
Mike Penders received a 6; with talk of number one Emiliano Martinez returning, the young number two kept his place, was sent the wrong way for the penalty and could do little to prevent the goal, but made a great save from Isador to keep it at 1-0. Marco Palestra earned a 6 after suffering injury setbacks and still appearing to adapt to the league, putting in a positive attacking display and nearly earning an assist with a cross midway through the first half. Wesley Fofana scored a 6 following a stable performance after a shaky one last week at home to Manchester United. Levi Colwill was given a 4 after a difficult afternoon where he failed to deal with Brian Brobbey, who caught him out for a chance midway through the half before winning the penalty; although it appeared a harsh decision, Colwill could have handled the situation better and was taken off at half-time having also been booked. Pep Chavarria received a 6 after an excellent early block prevented what looked a near-certain goal alongside a dangerous cross that nobody attacked. Moises Caicedo earned a 5 as he was largely anonymous in midfield before moving to become a makeshift centre-back in the second half. Romeo Lavia scored a 6 operating as a deep-lying playmaker, though a long-range effort failed to trouble the goalkeeper. Jordan Henderson received a 5 after returning to the starting line-up in a decent but unremarkable display at his former club. Cole Palmer earned a 6 when his brilliant first touch and drive into the penalty area could have won a spot-kick when brought down by Luke O’Nien, though the incident was deemed to have taken place outside the box. Morgan Rogers scored a 5 after heading a good opportunity wide midway through the first half and remaining largely peripheral. Pedro Neto received a 5 as he was ineffective up front and taken off in the 62nd minute.
For the substitutes, Estevao Willian came on for Colwill at half-time and showed threat after coming on, earning a 6. Danny Welbeck replaced Neto in the 62nd minute, adding presence in the box highlighted by a glancing header going wide moments after coming on, receiving a 6. Malo Gusto replaced Palestra in the 62nd minute for a quiet display in his 100th Premier League appearance, scoring a 6. Geovany Quenda came on for Chavarria in the 79th minute, and Emegha replaced Henderson in the 87th minute, while unused substitutes were Sharman-Lowe, Anselmino, Nicoll-Jazuli, and Barco.
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users.
