Chelsea failed to score for the first time this season as a fired-up Sunderland held the Premier League leaders to a goalless draw at the Stadium of Light this evening.
Both sides hit the woodwork in the opening 45 before a frenetic second half which Sunderland finished the better.
The Black Cats could not inflict a first defeat of the season on the Blues, though, and both sides left with a point.
Below, Sports Mole picks apart a hugely enjoyable stalemate on Wearside.
Match statistics
SUNDERLAND
Shots: 12
On target: 3
Possession: 34%
Corners: 2
Fouls: 13
CHELSEA
Shots: 24
On target: 6
Possession: 66%
Corners: 8
Fouls: 10
Was the result fair?
Absolutely. The above stats might suggest that it was another dominant Chelsea display, but it was far from it. The majority of those shots were from distance as Sunderland restricted them superbly. The hosts grew stronger and more confident as the game progressed and looked more likely to nick a late winner.
Sunderland's performance
As good as you can be without scoring. Almost all Sunderland fans would have been fearing the worst given Chelsea's current form and the way that they dismantled Schalke 04 in Germany in the Champions League earlier this week. However, it was a fabulous, battling display from the home side.
They were on the back foot from the word go and, in the opening 15 minutes, it seemed to be a matter of when, not if Chelsea would score. Chelsea soon ran out of ideas as their fairly narrow football suited Sunderland perfectly. Lee Cattermole stationed himself just in front of the back four and made many key contributions that lifted the crowd and his teammates.
At the back, Santiago Vergini, John O'Shea and Wes Brown stood out for their resilience while further forward Connor Wickham put in a real shift down the left. Plenty of positives to build on, despite an eighth draw in 13 games this season.
Chelsea's performance
Jose Mourinho named an unchanged side for the Blues' third game in a week and perhaps they were a little tired. While they were assured and confident in possession, they lacked the killer ball in the final third, which they have been so good at this season.
Cesc Fabregas had arguably his quietest game in a blue shirt, while Diego Costa could have been sent off on a couple of occasions. He was booked for taking out Brown with a flailing arm and will now miss the midweek clash against Tottenham Hotspur. Eden Hazard and Willian were bright in parts on either wing, but neither had a particularly fruitful game.
Chelsea's best player was probably Nemanja Matic, who again looked assured and bullish in defensive midfield.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Lee Cattermole: A leader's performance from the midfielder. He made countless blocks, tackles and interceptions to stop Chelsea in their tracks. A real pest. When he plays like this, it's easy to forget his disciplinary problems of the past.
Biggest gaffe
Sunderland struck the bar in the first half when Cattermole's cross took a big deflection and went straight into the path of Vergini. All he had to do was guide it on target, but he got too much on it.
Referee performance
Kevin Friend had a feisty game to deal with today. In the first half, Sunderland fans wanted Costa to be sent off after he retaliated to an O'Shea tackle. However, O'Shea also kicked out at the Chelsea man so Friend sensibly gave them both a talking to. Costa probably should have been booked at the very least and then he might have been sent off for the aerial challenge which did result in a yellow card. In the end, Friend had to dish out five yellows, but they were all justified.
What next?
Sunderland: It's a jam-packed Premier League week and an awfully tough one for Sunderland as they next host champions Manchester City on Wednesday, before travelling to Anfield to face Liverpool next Saturday.
Chelsea: The Blues take on fellow Londoners Tottenham on Wednesday before heading north to face Newcastle United in a week.
Pascal Lemesre
