Chelsea held to a draw at Sunderland

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Sunderland 0 Chelsea 0

Chelsea missed the chance to stretch their Premier League lead to nine points as a frustrating evening ended in a draw.

Branislav Ivanovic came closest to winning the points for the Blues with a decent strike that was well saved before the break.

But Chelsea failed to make the most of their possession against a packed defence and could easily have lost the game in the closing stages.

Sunderland made their intentions clear immediately, cramming their backline with six men along the 18-yard box and looking to play on the break.

The ploy looked dangerous early on as a Chelsea side who were unchanged for the third consecutive match oozed confidence and played with all the freedom of a team who had won 5-0 in midweek.

Sunderland, having survived ten minutes of incessant pressure, twice threatened on the break.

But the league leaders, who are now seven points ahead of Southampton and nine clear of Manchester City before the pair meet on Sunday, remained in control.

Willian’s low shot hit the outside of the post, and a fine last-ditch sliding challenge by Wes Brown prevented Diego Costa racing through for a one-on-one chance.

Ivanovic also forced an excellent save from Costel Pantilimon after a glorious Willian pass.

However, the hosts began to show greater ambition and spark in the final third of the half and, after head coach Mauricio Tarrico was sent off, they hit the bar through Santiago Vergini.

And as tempers flared, Costa was lucky to only get a talking-to after seeming to kick out at John O’Shea following a touchline tussle.

But the Brazilian-born Spaniard was booked soon after the restart anyway, meaning he will miss the game against Tottenham on Wednesday.

The second half had began in identical fashion to the first, with Chelsea dominating the ball and constantly probing.

But once again the crowded defence thwarted them and their opportunities were of limited quality.

Gary Cahill did well to get a header on target after being held at a corner and Willian blasted a strike high and wide.

Nemanja Matic had a decent strike saved but the openings dried up as Chelsea’s passing deteriorated and they began to lose their shape.

And the Black Cats created the much better chances in the final 30 minutes following the introduction of Jozy Altidore.

The substitute almost forced the ball past Thibaut Courtois after a bustling run, and Adam Johnson wasted a fine late chance when he shot wide.

Johnson also shot narrowly wide as the home pressure grew, but Chelsea stood firm to earn a point and maintain their unbeaten start to the season.

Chelsea: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Matic, Fabregas; Willian (Schrrle 85), Oscar (Drogba 76), Hazard; Costa (Remy 76).
Subs not used: Cech, Zouma, Filipe Luis, Mikel.

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