There were plenty of blame to go around for Chelsea on Sunderland's first goal, but Petr Cech will not put his attempted save in his highlight reel. In the fourth minute at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland left back Phil Bardsley was allowed to carry the ball into attack, cur in toward the penalty area and take a uncontested shot from 20 yards out. The result was an early lead for the Black Cats, with Cech beaten to his far post.
Sunderland Vs. Chelsea: Phil Bardsley Has Black Cats Up In Fourth Minute
While a Sunderland attacker making a run down the left flank (drawing José Bosingwa with him) and Michael Essien nowhere to be found, Phil Bardsley was allowed to carry the ball from near the center line to the edge of the Chelsea area. John Mikel Obi was tasked with challenging the defender, but before he could Bardsley had cut in one his right foot an lined-up a shot. The ball - low, bouncing toward the far post - saw a late reaction from Petr Cech, who was only left to dive before the ball went well inside his left post.
The goal continues Chelsea's struggles this season against Sunderland, to whom they lost 3-0 at Stamford Bridge earlier this season. New Chelsea acquisitions Fernando Torres and David Luiz are not dressed, while Sunderland is debuting midfielder Stephane Sessegnon.
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