Sunderland 1-0 Chelsea: Le Fee Penalty Sinks Alonso’s Blues
Enzo Le Fee scored a first-half penalty as Sunderland beat Chelsea 1-0 at the Stadium of Light, handing Xabi Alonso another frustrating defeat. The Spaniard
Enzo Le Fee scored a first-half penalty as Sunderland beat Chelsea 1-0 at the Stadium of Light, handing Xabi Alonso another frustrating defeat. The Spaniard changed his team's shape and personnel again, and the Blues still found no answer.
The decisive moment came in the 36th minute. Sunderland target man Brian Brobbey went down under a challenge from Chelsea defender Levi Colwill, and the referee pointed to the spot. Le Fee converted.
Penalty drama before the goal
Moments earlier, Chelsea had appeals of their own. Cole Palmer went down under a challenge from Luke O'Nien, but the video assistant referee (VAR) ruled that the contact had started outside the box. No penalty was given.
Two big calls in quick succession left their mark. Alonso and his coaching staff looked angry on the touchline after Sunderland scored.
Alonso's changes again
Chelsea lined up with a three-man midfield for the first time this season. They also played without a recognized striker for the second match in a row, and Pedro Neto again struggled to lead the line.
Sunderland, who came into the game struggling, had the opposite approach up front. Brobbey gave them a physical focal point, and he won the penalty that settled the contest.
The constant switching of formation and players has begun to draw comparisons. Alonso is starting to look like the latest "Tinkerman" at Stamford Bridge, a nickname first attached to Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri in 2002-03.
The defeat extends a spell in which Chelsea have struggled to settle on an identity under their Spanish manager.
