‘Stubborn habit’ – Chelsea’s social media admin takes dig at Sunderland after 2–1 defeat at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea’s Website Appears to Take Swipe at Sunderland After 2–1 Defeat

Chelsea’s official website seemed to aim a subtle jab at Sunderland’s defensive approach following the Black Cats’ dramatic 2–1 victory at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

In its post-match report, Chelsea’s site suggested Sunderland employed a “stubborn habit of defending with all 11 players within 30 yards of their own goal” — a remark many fans interpreted as a pointed comment on Régis Le Bris’ tactics.

The report stated:

“Chelsea were on top and dominant for much of this game, but Sunderland’s stubborn habit of defending with all 11 players within 30 yards of their own goal repeatedly crowded us out of the box before we could pull the trigger or create space for a clear chance.”

Although Chelsea struck first through an early goal, Sunderland responded with discipline and resilience. Goals from Wilson Isidor and Chemsdine Talbi completed a stunning comeback that halted Chelsea’s four-game winning streak.

The visitors earned widespread praise across the Premier League for their organisation, energy, and tactical intelligence.

While Sunderland supporters found humor in Chelsea’s match report, the comments only reinforced the growing admiration for Le Bris’ impressive work this season. The victory lifted Sunderland to fourth in the Premier League table, with 17 points from nine matches.

Enzo Maresca’s Reaction to Chelsea’s Defeat

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca admitted his side were second best after their 2–1 home defeat to Sunderland. The Blues started brightly and took the lead through Alejandro Garnacho, but Isidor equalised before halftime.

Despite dominating possession after the break, Chelsea struggled to break down Sunderland’s compact defence and were punished deep into stoppage time when Chemsdine Talbi netted the winner from Brian Brobbey’s smart assist.

Reflecting on the result, Maresca acknowledged defensive lapses and accepted that Chelsea had fallen short of expectations:

“I think in general we were not good enough,” Maresca said. “When you are not good enough in the Premier League, you know the consequences. I’ve said before, when you cannot win, it’s important not to lose.

“The second goal is not even a transition — it’s a long ball in behind where we have a 2-v-1 situation, but we defend it poorly. The first goal comes from a throw-in; they crowd six or seven players inside the six-yard box. Overall, we simply weren’t good enough.”

“It should have been an easy situation — it’s 2-v-1 and their striker is facing his own goal. Maybe we were trying to manage the moment because it’s already the 92nd or 93rd minute, but we have to do better.

We lacked creativity, didn’t create enough, and lost too many duels and second balls after going 1–0 up. Against a team like this, that’s not acceptable.

When we reached wide areas, we crossed expecting four or five players in the box, but today the quality of our final ball wasn’t there.”