Sunderland claimed a crucial 1–0 victory over Chelsea at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, November 8, 2026, with Enzo Le Fée’s first-half penalty ending the Black Cats’ eight-match winless run in the Premier League.
The victory also marked Sunderland’s third consecutive league win over Chelsea, a sequence they had not achieved since 2001.
The hosts made a lively start and nearly took the lead in the 15th minute when Chemsdine Talbi delivered an excellent cross from the left. Brian Brobbey, however, failed to direct his volley on target from close range.
Sunderland suffered an early setback when captain Granit Xhaka was forced off with an injury just four minutes into the match, with Jules Ahoka coming on as his replacement.
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Chelsea gradually grew into the contest and believed they should have been awarded a penalty midway through the first half after Cole Palmer went down under a challenge from Luke O’Nien. Referee Jarred Gillett and VAR ruled that the incident did not warrant a spot-kick.
Sunderland were awarded a penalty at the other end in the 36th minute after Levi Colwill brought down Brobbey inside the box.
Le Fée stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, sending Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders the wrong way to give the hosts a 1–0 lead.
Chelsea attempted to respond before the break, with Romeo Lavia firing narrowly wide from distance, but Sunderland went into half-time holding the advantage.
Blues manager Xabi Alonso introduced Estêvão at the start of the second half, replacing Colwill in an attacking change. However, Chelsea struggled to create clear opportunities as Sunderland defended their lead with determination.
Alonso later brought on Danny Welbeck and Malo Gusto in search of an equaliser, but the visitors continued to find it difficult to break down the home defence.
Sunderland came close to doubling their advantage 13 minutes from time when substitute Wilson Isidor found space inside the penalty area. His effort was denied by Penders, who kept Chelsea in the contest.
Geovany Quenda also threatened for the visitors, but his deflected effort went narrowly wide.
Chelsea pushed forward in the closing stages, but their late pressure failed to produce a goal. Welbeck had an opportunity to rescue a point in stoppage time, only to head over the crossbar.
The final whistle confirmed a significant result for Sunderland, who secured their second Premier League victory of the season and moved off the bottom of the table.
For Chelsea, the defeat was another disappointing away performance, extending their difficult run on the road and dealing a setback to their push for a top-four finish.