tzNewly promoted Sunderland pulled off one of the biggest surprises of the Premier League season, defeating Chelsea 2–1 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, October 25, 2025.

According to Reuters, the victory propelled the Black Cats to second place in the Premier League standings a remarkable feat for a team that only gained promotion this season.

Chelsea’s Early Lead Cut Short

Chelsea started strong, taking the lead in just the fourth minute through Alejandro Garnacho, who coolly slotted past goalkeeper Robin Roefs to open the scoring.

However, Sunderland quickly responded. In the 22nd minute, Wilson Isidor capitalised on a defensive mix-up inside the box, drawing the visitors level.

“It’s a good performance, especially after the early goal… We won three points and are happy with the way we played,”
Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris, quoted by Dailypost

The tense encounter seemed destined to end in a draw until the dying moments of stoppage time. Substitute Chemsdine Talbi latched onto a clever pass from Brian Brobbey and curled a low shot into the far corner, sealing the victory for Sunderland.

Chelsea’s Frustration Continues

For Chelsea, the defeat deepens their inconsistency this season. Despite dominating possession, they failed to create clear chances when it mattered most.

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“It’s not the best of games, but it’s one we have to learn from. We can’t keep switching off late in matches.”

Analysts at talkSPORT noted that Chelsea’s recurring issue of conceding late goals remains

“a serious problem that could derail their top-four hopes.”

The win moves Sunderland to second place on the Premier League table, an unexpected but deserved position considering their recent form. Fans celebrated the result as proof that the newly promoted side can compete with England’s elite.

After the match, goal-scorer Isidor reacted humbly:

“We’re second? That’s nice, no? But it’s not the end of the season. We have to keep working and stay focused.”

Saturday’s victory at Stamford Bridge will go down as one of Sunderland’s most memorable moments in recent history. For Chelsea, it’s a wake-up call to rediscover consistency.

As Le Bris summed up post-match

“We came here to compete, not just to defend  and we took our chance.”

Sunderland’s triumph reminds fans that in football, passion and belief can conquer even the biggest giants.

Watch the match highlight below: