Follow live coverage as Chelsea face Sunderland today in the Premier League. Another top-flight season will be covered in full right here with The Independent, as reigning champions Liverpool look to fend off competition from Arsenal, Manchester City and more.
The race for the Champions League places should also be a compelling battle, with a fifth place possible for English teams. Manchester United’s latest rebuild under Ruben Amorim sets expectations high once more after a dismal season last time out.
Meanwhile, it’s Burnley, Leeds United and Sunderland who made it back to the elite after promotion last year and each will have hope they can make it more than a one-year stay. Follow the latest live action from the Premier League below:
Chelsea FC 1 - 2 Sunderland AFC
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:59FULL-TIME: CHELSEA 1-2 SUNDERLAND
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:59Chelsea have a last-second corner, but it’s wasted, drilled into the side netting. THAT IS THAT!
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:58The fans inside Stamford Bridge are stunned, while Sunderland supporters are in pandemonium. Only Nottingham Forest have conceded more goals in the final 15 minutes of the second half than Chelsea. Wow.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:56Brobbey held the ball for an age inside the Chelsea penalty area, and it’s incredible how much time he was given. He picks his pass perfectly, earning the assist for what could be the winning goal.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:55GOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLL!!!! SUNDERLAND WIN IT AT THE DEATH! 2-1! Brobbey is sent forward with a long ball and is allowed to keep his foot on it inside the box, with the Chelsea defenders giving him space to hold it up. He lays it off to Talbi at the edge of the area, who picks his spot beautifully, curling a side-footed effort into the bottom right. Sunderland are moving up to second in the league as things stand - a perfect away performance.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:53In a match where Chelsea have attempted more passes and crosses than in any other this season, James tries a deeper ball, only for it to be ruled out for offside - much to the delight of the Black Cats.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:52Six minutes will be played here, as both sides look to find a winner, which would take either of them to second in the Premier League.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:50Sunderland appear to be going for this. Santos, who has only just come on, fouls Brobbey on the halfway line. The attacker had turned the midfielder, and an outstretched arm was all the referee needed to see, resulting in a yellow card.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:49Cucurella fouls Rigg down the right flank, giving Sunderland a chance to get some bodies forward. However, the free-kick isn’t threatening and is a wasted opportunity for the visitors.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:49Pedro is also off, with George coming on to spark some life into the Chelsea attack.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:45Chelsea use their last two subs as Neto is replaced by Santos.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:49Only Manchester City have earned more points at home this calendar year than Chelsea. The Blues really need to find a winner if they are to push those teams in the top two or three in the Premier League.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:44Substitutes Brobbey and Talbi combine as Talbi swings one into the back post. Sanchez rushes out to punch, but he misses, and it just hits the back of Brobbey, who knew nothing about it and really should have been anticipating the goalkeeper’s error, as top-level attackers would.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:42With over 72% of the ball, Chelsea are still finding it hard to break down a resolute Sunderland side. The more bodies the Blues commit forward, the more chances Sunderland will have to break - just as they did with Xhaka a few minutes ago. Risk for reward...
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:39Tosin is on in a like-for-like swap, replacing Acheampong.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:39Maresca also makes a double change. Gittens comes on for Guiu, who hardly saw the ball today. A disappointing outing for the talented Spaniard, who will be dreaming of making Spain’s 2026 World Cup squad.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:38Le Fee has played well but was hampered by his yellow card. Rigg comes on as his replacement to shore things up.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:37A double change from the visitors. Brobbey comes on for the goalscorer Isidor, who hasn’t seen as much of the ball as he would have liked this half.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:37Sunderland show some intent! Le Fee is central to things again, this time lobbing one over the backline to a surging Xhaka, who takes it down impeccably, but his shot is blocked on his weaker foot. He slams the ground in frustration, as that’s their only real chance since the break and he would have been desperate to take it.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:37It’s now been over 30 minutes since Regis Le Bris’ side attempted a shot in this game, highlighting their lack of progression in the second half.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:35Fernandez shoots! Sunderland afford the midfielder far too much time on the ball, and he decides to line one up and fire, but it lacks pace and won’t trouble the in-form Roefs. Sunderland need to do more here as Chelsea begin to chip away.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:34No argument there. Le Fee is late on Chalobah as he slides in, earning a clear yellow card - the first of the game.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:32The 100-million-pound midfielders combine to create a shot on the Sunderland goal. Caicedo, playing deeper of the two, delivers a flighted ball accurately to Enzo Fernandez, who hooks it towards Roefs. However, it lacks power and doesn’t trouble the Dutch keeper.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:30Estevao fouls on the right wing, stopping any momentum his side were building. Sunderland will welcome that pause in play as the Brazilian pleads his case to the assistant referee.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:27Traore claps to acknowledge both his fans and the supporters he used to play for as he is withdrawn. Chemsdine comes on in his place.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:27James is seeing plenty of the ball down the right-hand side, this time delivering yet another cross deep into the Sunderland box. Roefs meets it with a huge punch, but also clears Cucurella out in the process. The referee allows play to continue, even though it looks like a head injury, and the Spaniard is now receiving treatment.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:24The corner comes to nothing as Chelsea have steadied the Black Cats’ tide in this second half. They’ve imposed their style on the game, and it now looks more likely that the hosts will find the next goal - if there is one.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:23Chelsea win a corner as Estevao is involved right away, with his shot blocked and going out for their sixth of the afternoon.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:21The goalscorer is replaced after having an exciting afternoon, a move that might raise some eyebrows from the Chelsea fans. Estevao comes on as his replacement.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:21Garnacho’s final involvement is a shot blazed wide and high from range. The Argentine has been very promising this afternoon, and he’s about to be replaced by the talented Brazilian Estevao.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:18Chelsea changes are afoot as Estevao looks to be getting ready.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:16James’ outswinger is a good one. He takes it with little run-up or backlift, aiming for the space by the near post as he has all afternoon. Any glance from Cucurella would have been a real opportunity, but the full-back fails to make contact.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:15Neto does well to beat Le Fee and Reinildo before going to the floor dramatically after appearing to get a hand in the face from the defender. Chelsea now have a chance to deliver from the right flank.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:15Guiu had just six touches in the first half as he makes his first Premier League start. Maresca will want to see more from him, or he could well be replaced.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:13Le Fee’s delivery goes out for a corner on the far side. It’s delivered and cleared as Chelsea break with pace. Sadiki allows the ball to bounce, and Neto gets on the end of it as the Congo DR midfielder retreats. Neto finds Garnacho, who is surrounded, and the move breaks down. Sunderland playing into the hands of Chelsea there.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:12Chalobah fouls right in front of the away fans, who immediately raise their voices as Le Fee stands over a free-kick from the left.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:10Chelsea deal with the long throw this time, managing to win the first contact, which is so important.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:10Mukiele gets high up the pitch, looking to cut one back to Isidor, but Caicedo sweeps it away and puts it out for a throw, which Mukiele is readying to take. We all know what happened the last time he had a chance to throw one in…
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:08Chelsea have the first attack of the second half, with that man Garnacho involved again. He tries to deliver one into the middle, but it’s just about dealt with by the recovering Sunderland defenders.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:07We’re back underway after the interval, with Chelsea getting us started.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:02Ballard wins a free-kick after a strong challenge on Pedro, and the two players tussling afterwards, with the Brazilian conceding the foul.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:01Chalobah brings down Isidor just outside the Chelsea penalty area, giving the visitors a chance to hit back. Le Fee stands over the free-kick - it’s well struck but just drifts over Sanchez’s crossbar. End-to-end stuff here in the capital!
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:01Some start here in the capital! Sunderland have the upper hand early on and win a free-kick from the right-hand side. It’s swung in uncontested, allowing Ballard a free header at goal - but he bounces it into the turf, and it’s an early let-off for the Blues.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:00Inside 30 seconds, Cucurella is penalised as Traore skips past him. He protests the decision, but it’s a tough start - and an unwelcome return for the former Blues winger.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
16:00The away side, Sunderland, have created more expected goals than the Blues in the opening half, generating 0.92 xG compared to Chelsea’s 0.55. Despite the hosts having more possession, clear-cut chances have been limited. Sunderland will aim to continue playing the way they have, but according to Opta’s Live Win Probability model, a win for them remains unlikely. Chelsea are still favourites to take all three points in 66% of scenarios, while Sunderland are pegged at just over 10%.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
15:57It’s 1-1 at Stamford Bridge in a frantic affair in the capital. Sunderland started on the front foot, with a free-header in the opening minute saved by Sanchez after Ballard got his positioning wrong. Just moments later, Chelsea struck first with their opening attack. Garnacho was played through by Neto, and despite having plenty to do, he showcased his quality, squaring up Mukiele before smashing a low left-footed effort past Roefs to make it 1-0. Sunderland continued to press, and the anticipation built as a long-throw opportunity arose. Mukiele’s renowned throw was on target once again, this time flicked on by Ballard, causing a scramble that Isidor eventually finished to get his fourth goal of the campaign, leveling the score. The game finally slowed down, but chances continued to come. Isidor nearly doubled his tally, while Garnacho almost grabbed his own brace following a set-piece. Chelsea finished the half stronger, but it’s still level heading into the second half!
Chelsea vs Sunderland
15:52HALF-TIME: CHELSEA 1-1 SUNDERLAND
Chelsea vs Sunderland
15:51Isidor gives away a cheap free-kick on Caicedo as the final few seconds tick down. It’s all Chelsea right now.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
15:48With three additional minutes announced, Chelsea play the free-kick short before sending it straight into the gloves of Roefs. Sunderland will be happy to take this scoreline into the break.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
15:47Hume dives into a challenge on Garnacho and concedes a late free-kick. Xhaka quickly intervenes with the referee, signaling that the tackle was far from clean.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
15:47The blue shirts are flooding up the pitch, desperate to create something before the half-time whistle. Chalobah is given the ball and takes it on, letting fly a shot towards goal that Roefs has to push behind, taking no chances. That earns Chelsea another corner.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
15:46Sunderland break quickly after Chelsea commit players forward. Traore is found and decides to go it alone, shifting the ball onto his left foot and aiming to curl it low into the far corner. However, it’s comfortably gathered by the Chelsea keeper, who collects and quickly sends his team forward.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
15:45CHANCE FOR THE HOSTS! James delivers a much better corner this time, causing problems as the ball is flicked on at the near post. Garnacho is unmarked at the back post and fires towards goal, but Roefs stands tall and makes the save. It was a crucial stop - otherwise, it would have been 2-1 Chelsea!
Chelsea vs Sunderland
15:45Chelsea win another corner as Garnacho is given space by Hume and slips the ball to Fernandez. His cross may be slightly mishit, but it still causes problems, forcing Ballard to clear behind.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
15:43James’ delivery doesn’t beat the first man, but it rebounds back to him. He sends another ball into the box, which goes out of play by the far post. There are some Chelsea protests, as an attacking player feels they’ve been struck in the face, but there’s no further action.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
15:40Neto sends a deep cross towards Cucurella, who has been everywhere, and wins his side their third corner of the game after Ballard clears.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
15:40What is Geertruida doing?! The Dutchman dwells on the ball just outside the area, and you can’t do that when someone like Caicedo is ready to pounce - which he does, winning the ball and finding Pedro with the tackle. The Brazilian tries to square it and completely misjudges, as his intended target isn’t where he thought he was. Luckily for him, the offside flag is up, saving some face.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
15:35The visitors are on their longest unbeaten run in London, remaining undefeated in their last 13 away league games in the capital since a defeat to Fulham in 2018. How much it would mean to them to extend that streak this afternoon!
Chelsea vs Sunderland
15:30Garnacho has made a hugely impressive start - he’s playing with real confidence after that early goal. This time he takes on Hume and forces the defender to put the ball behind for a Chelsea corner.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
15:31Nice move from the visitors! Xhaka receives the ball centrally, 25 yards out, and disguises a pass through to goalscorer Isidor, who turns and fires into the outside of the left side netting as he looks to double his tally. The Sunderland away end is bouncing - they’ve travelled in numbers and are making themselves heard.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
15:29Exactly zero of the meetings between these two sides at Stamford Bridge have ended in a draw. Of the 16 encounters, Chelsea have won 13, Sunderland three. That said, it’s currently 1-1.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
15:28Cucurella wins a free-kick by the dugout on the halfway line, after Mukiele chases him down relentlessly. This game has truly had it all so far!
Chelsea vs Sunderland
15:26Isidor has his fourth goal of this Premier League campaign, and the Black Cats are playing with no fear - exactly why they’re so difficult to play against and why their points tally is so impressive.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
15:26GOOOOAAAALLLLL!!! SUNDERLAND LEVEL! Once again, the long throw proves decisive. Mukiele delivers a deep ball into Chelsea’s box, and Ballard gets the crucial first touch. Traore battles for the second ball, aiming for the bottom-left corner, but it’s deflected - Isidor reacts fastest, tapping home right in front of Sanchez’s goal. What a game! 1-1!
Chelsea vs Sunderland
15:26Isidor picks up the ball deep in Chelsea territory but is stopped by Cucurella, who sends it out for a throw-in. However, Sunderland have a weapon in Mukiele, whose long throw is impressively powerful and precise.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
15:24After a chaotic opening 15 minutes, the game has settled slightly, with Sunderland attempting to push up the pitch, Xhaka getting his foot on the ball. However, Chelsea are finding far too much space in Sunderland’s half when going forward, and that will need to change going forward.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
15:21No side has scored more goals from set-pieces - excluding penalties - than Chelsea in the Premier League this season. Six of their eight have come from corners, and they almost added to that tally just a few minutes ago.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
15:14That strike takes Chelsea’s tally to 17 league goals this season - the joint-highest in the division. It’s quite the turnaround, considering they failed to score in their opening game against Crystal Palace.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
15:19The corner is delicately clipped in by James, and it eventually falls to Caicedo on the edge of the box. He strikes it with real venom, but it’s blocked and deflects behind for another corner. The Ecuadorian already has three goals this season - including that stunning rocket against Liverpool.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
15:08The goal owed much to Neto’s vision. Collecting the ball in a central position, he looked up and released a perfectly weighted pass into Garnacho’s path, allowing the Argentine to stride through without breaking his run before slotting home the opener.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
15:07GOOOOOAAAAALLLLLL!!!!! CHELSEA LEAD 1-0! After an uneasy start, Chelsea strike with their first real attack - and they make it count! Garnacho picks up the ball on the left, squares up Mukiele, and shows a touch of class as he fires a low, left-footed shot beyond Roefs from a tight angle to give his side the lead.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
15:01We're under way here at Stamford Bridge!
Chelsea vs Sunderland
15:01As the players emerge onto the Stamford Bridge turf, let’s take a look at Opta’s Live Win Probability model. The hosts head into this one as clear favourites, projected to win nearly 75% of the time. Sunderland, meanwhile, face an uphill battle - their chances of securing just a second away victory of the season stand at just 10.6%.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
14:52Reinildo and Geertruida come into the Sunderland lineup this afternoon, hinting at a potential shift in formation to a back five. The defensive duo come in for the injured Omar Alderete and Rigg, who drops to the bench. Reinildo makes his first appearance since being sent off for violent conduct against Aston Villa in September. Xhaka captains the side, with his experience likely to prove vital at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
14:47Maresca makes three changes to the starting XI that faced Nottingham Forest last time out. £100m-plus midfield duo Caicedo and Fernandez return to the side, joined by Guiu. The Spanish striker comes up against a Sunderland team he briefly represented earlier this season - spending just 26 days on loan at the Stadium of Light before being recalled following Liam Delap’s injury. Lavia and Santos drop to the bench, while Malo Gusto misses out through suspension after his red card in that win at the City Ground.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
14:36SUNDERLAND SUBS: Anthony Patterson, Dan Neil, Chemsdine Talbi, Brian Brobbey, Chris Rigg, Eliezer Mayenda, Luke O’Nien, Arthur Masuaku, Harrison Jones.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
14:36SUNDERLAND (5-4-1): Robin Roefs; Trai Hume, Reinildo Mandava, Lutsharel Geertruida, Dan Ballard, Nordi Mukiele; Enzo Le Fee, Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki, Bertrand Traore; Wilson Isidor.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
14:36CHELSEA SUBS: Filip Jorgensen, Tosin Adarabioyo, Jamie Gittens, Andrey Santos, Jorrel Hato, Wesley Fofana, Tyrique George, Estevao, Romeo Lavia.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
14:30CHELSEA (4-2-3-1): Robert Sanchez; Reece James, Josh Acheampong, Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Cucurella; Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez; Alejandro Garnacho, Joao Pedro, Pedro Neto; Marc Guiu
Chelsea vs Sunderland
14:30Play-off winners Sunderland couldn’t have hoped for a better return to Premier League life than the one they’re enjoying right now. Regis Le Bris’ side sit seventh in the table, level on points with today’s opponents on 14, also giving the Black Cats a chance to climb as high as second with a win - even if it’s only temporarily. It’s their best start to a top-flight campaign since the 1999–00 season, when they also picked up 14 points from their opening eight games. The promoted side have, however, found life on the road tougher going, with just one away win so far and only four of their points coming away from home.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
14:30Chelsea head into this afternoon’s clash aiming to make it five wins on the bounce in all competitions - a run that could see them climb to second in the Premier League. Following a dramatic last-minute winner at Stamford Bridge against Liverpool, Enzo Maresca’s side maintained their momentum with an emphatic 3-0 victory away at Nottingham Forest, a result that ultimately cost Ange Postecoglou his job. The Blues have enjoyed a dominant recent record at home against Sunderland, winning their last three league meetings at Stamford Bridge by an aggregate score of 11-3. The most recent came on the final day of the 2016-17 campaign - a 5-1 victory that capped a title-winning season for Chelsea, while Sunderland, already relegated, finished bottom of the table.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
14:30Hello and welcome to this live text commentary of today’s Premier League meeting between Chelsea and Sunderland!
Chelsea vs Sunderland
13:00Follow all the goals and latest action from the Premier League here with The Independent. Team news and line-ups coming up shortly…
