Chelsea 3 Sunderland 1

There's probably no point writing a match report type analysis here. Sunderland went 2-0 down within 15 minutes to a team who have been rubbish for most of the season courtesy of a decent Ivanovic header and an atrociously defended Pedro strike. Then went catastrophically kamikaze at the start of the second half, conceded a penalty and the third goal. Jermain Defoe could have brought upon a thrilling conclusion with a fine chance spurned shortly after and the rest of the match kind of petered out. Tactically naive and hugely disappointing, it leaves Sunderland 5 points off safety by the end of the weekend with Manchester City and Liverpool to come before the end of the year.

What I'll remember is the indefatigable spirit of the Sunderland end, singing constantly for the entire 90 minutes in spite of the match essentially being over after a quarter of an hour. "2-0 and you still don't sing" and "Mourinho's right, your fans are shite" being my particular favourites. Speaking of Mourinho, his absence had bred a toxic atmosphere the likes of which I've never experienced from a home crowd. Willan was the only player to receive a cheer when his name was read out, with the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa being booed for their lack of contribution so far this season. The performance from the home team was much improved, but they aren't out of the woods just yet in my opinion.

I suspect the only more painful way of spending £50 involves a dominatrix, high heels and my genitals, but I'm not sorry I went.

"Wise men say, only fools rush in. But I can't help falling in love with you"*.



*It feels like I've done this before. Will go back and check.


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