BlueLion.

Superb post. Keep the faith, guys. We had a shite November and December last year too

This is one game. Carlo Ancelotti is a fantastic match. When we were unbeaten and scoring six in a game, he could do no wrong. We're on a rough patch now and suddenly he's to blame for everything. We're struggling with injuries at the moment. However you had to commend Sunderland for the most magnificent performance I have ever seen a team play against us. Wonderful.

Chelsea 0-3 Sunderland Sunday 14 November 2010, Stamford Bridge. Nedum Onuoha, Asamoah Gyan and Danny Welbeck scored as Sunderland deservedly thumped Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. In what is the Blues' biggest home defeat since April 2002 when Manchester United came to Stamford Bridge and left 3-0 victors, Steve Bruce's Sunderland were magnificent and simply outclassed and outplayed the defending Premier League champions. Even though Carlo Ancelotti's side were without a number of key personnel, including key defensive duo John Terry and Alex, as well as influential midfield trio Michael Essien, Yossi Benayoun and Frank Lampard, the shocking frailty of their makeshift back four was exposed all too regularly and such a poor and lethargic performance is inexcusable. A chorus of boos from the pockets of remaining Chelsea supporters greeted the hosts at full-time, who have again surrendered points having failed to capitalise on further slip-ups by Manchester United and their cross-town rivals City. In truth, Steve Bruce's side were magnificent, and it would not flatter Sunderland to describe their away performance as the best by any Premier League side in recent years. This is a result that will no doubt raise eyebrows across Europe considering Chelsea's miserly home form. The Blues had recorded nine successive clean sheets at their previously fortress-like home ground and goalkeeper Petr Cech had not conceded in the league since March - but both of those statistics were shattered by a sparkling Sunderland showing made all the more impressive by the absence of talisman Darren Bent. Chelsea had thrashed today's opponents 7-2 back in January and had recorded twelve successive victories over the Black Cats, and considering their recent abysmal showing at St James' Park in a 5-1 mauling in the Tyne-Weir derby, the odds were stacked in favour of the champions continuing their impressive home record. But early Sunderland adventure soon put paid to that notion as Cech found himself by far the busier of the two goalkeepers. The Chelsea number one was magnificent early on; testament to his good form this season, and he looked determined to maintain his season-long clean sheet at Stamford Bridge as he made a stunning save to tip away a header by Danny Welbeck. Cech was then called into action once more to make a smart save with his legs, whilst at the other end Chelsea were beginning to build up a head of steam as the champions finally started to find their feet after a shaky first twenty minutes; Craig Gordon first did well to deny Nicolas Anelka after a sublime through-ball from John Mikel Obi whilst Yuri Zhirkov failed to show the required composure as he fired wide after cleverly working himself into a shooting position. And though Didier Drogba twice tested Craig Gordon with optimistic efforts from dead ball situations, Sunderland's threat was only being heightened by a ridiculous lack of discipline amongst Chelsea's seemingly leaderless defence; the marauding Cole and Bosingwa guilty of leaving large gaps for the electric Sunderland forwards to venture into. The opening goal for Sunderland might not have come as a shock to the disbelieving Chelsea crowd but its source was one that few would have foreseen. Moments after Cech had made an excellent double save to block first Gyan's effort and then Kieran Richardson's follow-up, Nedum Onuoha latched on to a clearing header from Branislav Ivanovic and waltzed through a number of tackles before scuffing the ball beyond the bewildered Czech Republic custodian. If the opening goal seemed to knock the wind out of a shell-shocked Chelsea side, then the deafening silence around Stamford Bridge was testament to Sunderland delivering a knock-out blow on 52 minutes. In a move of sublime quality that the Chelsea crowds were used to seeing from their own side, Welbeck found Henderson and his first-time pass played through Gyan to clinically guide a shot past Cech. Even with more than forty minutes remaining - stoppage time permitting - Chelsea were out of the contest. Their below-par showing in the first half had seen them muster a meagre two shots on goal and those two efforts had been simple for Craig Gordon; a calming and assured presence between the posts for Steve Bruce's side. To the outrage of nearly 40,000, insult was applied to injury as Carlo Ancelotti withdrew Florent Malouda - a player recently struggling with injury - and replaced him with Salomon Kalou to a torrent of boos. The seemed craziness of the decision was underlined when Kalou failed to control a simple pass when well-placed in the penalty area. The day was becoming a horrific one for Chelsea whilst the small pocket of travelling fans were surely pinching themselves. Chelsea's attempts to find a route back into the game continually faltered as they were comfortably nullified by the work-rate of their rivals, with the midfield axis of Henderson and Lee Cattermole particularly impressive. Even the introduction of young stars Gael Kakuta and Josh McEachran failed to galvanise the Blues, and to the jaw-dropping horror of the deteriorating Stamford Bridge crowd, Sunderland soon added a third to cap off a memorable day. Having gone ten games in the capital without winning, Sunderland's Welbeck scored a deserved goal through fortuitous circumstances - Ashley Cole's wayward back-pass clinically put away by the alert forward who is on loan from Manchester United. His boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, will surely be sending him a congratulatory message for inspiring the Black Cats to a victory few outside of Sunderland had given them chance of achieving. The full time whistle was sounded and received by a subdued chorus of boos from the quickly-emptying arena. It must be pointed out Chelsea were suffering from injuries, but they were absolutely outclassed by their opponents who will enjoy a long but ultimately fruitful journey back up north. Some Chelsea fans will maintain a silenced disbelief over the next few days as the impact of the result comes to realisation. Chelsea are now only two points clear at the top of the table, and successive bouts against the likes of Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester United are to be feared judging by recent performances and woeful results at Anfield and now against Sunderland. Work needs to be done. Quickly. ___________________________________________________________________ Chelsea (4-3-3): Cech; Bosingwa, Ferreira, Ivanovic, Cole; Ramires (McEachran 68), Mikel, Zhirkov (Kakuta 74); Anelka, Drogba, Malouda (Kalou 57) Sunderland (4-4-2): Gordon; Onuoha, Turner, Bramble, Bardsley; Richardson, Henderson, Cattermole © (Elmohamady 90), Zenden; Welbeck (Riveros 90+4), Gyan (Malbranque 82) The TalkChelsea.net Man of the Match was Sunderland's number 17, Danny Welbeck

CAREFREE. KEEP THE FAITH. Still top of the league.

What the fuck is Ancelotti playing at?!

Don't get the hate for Ramires, he's done nothing wrong. Drogba, Anelka and Malouda have barely touched the ball but since they have 'idol status' no-one would dare speak against them. However, everyone needs to up their performance. If everyone was playing as well as Cech we'd be winning by ten goals, so let's do him a favour and try! COME ON CHELS!!!

Agreed there, you'll find its the full-backs who are leaving the centre halves and Mikel exposed whenever Sunderland come forward. The usual discipline at the back has gone out of the window due to Terry not being there. Behave, we're still in the game (fortunately). An early goal in the second half and its game on. Please tell me you're kidding! Our forwards have been anonymous and everything good about our play has come through either Ramires or Zhirkov.

LOL saw that coming. Woeful first half in all fairness, no cohesion and the amount of times Sunderland have played through us is embarrassing. Should be 3-0 down and down to ten men. Thankfully things can't get any worse Ancelotti needs to bring on McEachran or Kakuta, but I'm really not sure who for. I forgot Anelka, Malouda and Drogba were on the pitch to be honest!

I don't see the problem some people have with Anelka? He's in terrific form and everything good from the team comes from either him or Malouda at the moment.

Rolando? I'm guessing he started off as a striker but wasn't good enough to have the name Ronaldo, so for marketing reasons they deliberately spelt his name wrong?

I wholeheartedly agree with you. Carlo is very one-dimensional with his team selections, unfortunately. Yes, he'll change the system but very rarely will he change the personnel. However, 9 times in 10 it works so I'll trust his judgement. I have absolute faith in him but I do wish he'd just give Gael or Josh an hour!

I'd like to see Barton try that on Ivanovic, he'd probably break his own arm by making contact with Bane's titanium chassis....

I was thinking Essien, to be honest. A midfield of Zhirkov, Mikel and Ramires has high work rate and defensive qualities but next to nothing going forward. I see we have two options in terms of our midfield and frontline: The first would see McEachran or Gael Kakuta come in for the suspended Essien. We NEED some attacking creativity and either Josh or Gael can supply that. Mikel McEachran/Kakuta, Zhirkov/Ramires Anelka, Malouda Drogba Alternatively, if Carlo wants experience, he can opt to play Malouda in the midfield three (IMO possibly a better option), and either push Zhirkov forward or play Kalou or Sturridge. Mikel Ramires, Malouda Anelka, Zhirkov/Kalou/Sturridge Drogba

Football is as much of a business as it is a sport nowadays, you just have to accept it.

McEachran please.

Getting worried about Frank now. The names 'Michael Owen' and 'Owen Hargreaves' are springing to mind.

I think I've sparked up media rumours about Maldini after mentioning it as a joke But when I come to think about it, it seems likely. Maldini wants to go into coaching and has a fantastic relationship with Ancelotti. But I want Zola to replace Wilkins.

Shocking decision to do it now as opposed to the summer! Gourlay is an utter pillock, even if there was some sort of fall-out why not wait till the end of the season based on football grounds? Cock!

See you mate, I'll look after the place

I'm not having that, Kostas. Absolutely uncalled for and unprovoked. That's your first warning. One more will trigger a suspension. Now back on topic or I'll close the thread.

Maybe the club want Zola to come in as assistant?

Such a poor, poor time for this sort of decision. Ray is a genuine guy and a great footballing personality. This won't help the image of the club at all.

I think that's a bit extreme, zolayes, he has every right to state his opinion. Kalou didn't have the best game in fairness, although his work rate was high. If he'd have put away one of those three chances we'd be having a different conversation, but he deserves recognition for his role in the goal and a tireless performance.

Chelsea Football Club chief executive Ron Gourlay has announced today that the board has decided not to renew Ray Wilkins' contract. This will take effect immediately. Gourlay said: 'On behalf of everyone at the club I would like to thank Ray for everything he has done for Chelsea Football Club. We all wish him well for the future.' From the official site.

Ancelotti will appeal, no doubt. I'm bemused why no-one has mentioned Zhirkov for man of the match. He was everywhere and involved in everything good. Did anyone actually count how many times he ran back and made interceptions/sliding blocks to win the ball back? I counted 11 successful, two fouls... brilliant work rate.